Former Governor of Abia State and current senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed his deep concern over the challenges and suffering faced by citizens due to the policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
During a press conference at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Kalu, who represents Abia North, shared his thoughts on the pressing need for the president to take swift action to alleviate the hardships experienced by Nigerians.
While Kalu acknowledged the removal of fuel subsidies as a courageous and necessary move, he criticized the economic difficulties it has imposed on the populace and emphasized the urgent need for effective management of these impacts.
“The suffering is palpable; people are in distress. We oversee approximately 10,000 employees in our organization, and ensuring they receive their salaries during these trying times is proving to be a significant challenge,” Kalu remarked.
He noted that due to the escalating costs, his organization has been forced to implement cost-cutting measures. “For instance, flying privately can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Therefore, I instructed senior staff to opt for commercial flights to conserve funds, enabling us to restructure and support our workers throughout Nigeria and West Africa. Everyone deserves to be able to afford meals during these tough times,” he added.
Kalu commended the president for exhibiting strong political resolve by undertaking economic reforms that have not been attempted by any leader in the past sixty years. However, he pressed for more rapid relief initiatives.
“No leader in the last six decades has had the courage to implement the reforms that President Tinubu is pursuing,” Kalu stated. “But we urgently need to provide relief to Nigerians. Immediate action is required; the situation is critical. No elected leader would wish for his people to endure hardship.”
Additionally, Kalu suggested that the president might want to reconsider reinstating the fuel subsidy.
“While I’m not part of the economic team and have not discussed this with the president or anyone else, it’s crucial for him to consult with his economic advisors regarding the potential reinstatement of the subsidy. The decisions he has made are unprecedented in the last sixty years of our republic.”
