Nigerians are used to earning quick money,’ Orji Kalu backs Tinubu’s reforms

Abdullateef Fowewe

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that the negative reactions from Nigerians stem from their expectation of “easy money” without putting in the necessary effort.

In an interview with reporters at the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the former Governor of Abia State and current Senate Chief Whip recognized the prevailing hardships in the nation but encouraged citizens to remain patient, affirming that the advantages of the ongoing economic reforms will soon be apparent.

He said, “Let me be honest with you. I’m a businessman, not a politician. There are only a few things that are not happening. The indices of Mr. President’s policies might not be working down the line. People are still suffering — yes, I agree with that. But it has started trickling in at the macro level — that is, at the upper level, not the lower level.

“So I’m hoping that in the next two to three years, the President’s policies will trickle down, and Nigerians will appreciate what he’s doing.”

Kalu lauded Tinubu’s bold moves, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, calling them unprecedented since Nigeria’s independence.

“Since 1960, this is the first President — and I have the facts — who stopped the fuel subsidy. This is the first President who merged the dollar rates. That is why we are suffering — because Nigerians are not used to working hard. We’re used to getting easy money.

“People used to sit in their houses, use their phones, get dollars, and sell at very high rates,” he added.

He further criticised the culture of unearned wealth, pointing to practices such as currency speculation and profiteering through tank farms and government papers.

He noted, “People sit at home, use their tank farms, collect papers, and make money.

“This is one President who has said: ‘if you are ready to make money, do it the right way. If you’re not ready, then leave it.”