Subsidy Hit Me Too, But Tinubu Made the Right Call-Kalu 

Subsidy Hit Me Too, But Tinubu Made the Right Call-Kalu

By peterside Rejoice Eneky

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has clarified that his public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 stems from genuine national interest and not personal ambition or political sycophancy.

Speaking on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Kalu responded to public backlash following his appearance at the Senate plenary last week wearing a custom outfit emblazoned with “Tinubu for President 2027.” The attire, he explained, was locally made in Aba and was a symbol of support rooted in patriotism.

“Who else would have made that dress other than Aba tailors? It was made in Aba, dyed in Aba and delivered in Aba,” Kalu stated, proudly noting the craftsmanship of his constituents. “It’s very fashionable and I will wear it again.”

Dismissing accusations of political sycophancy, Kalu said, “Can a man like me be sycophantic? I am not running for anything. I’m only running to return to the Senate.”

When asked whether he was positioning himself as President Tinubu’s unofficial campaign manager, he responded, “What is wrong with that? I will be very happy to accept it and do the job for him.”

He emphasized national unity over regional politics, arguing that Tinubu is “not the President of the South but the candidate of Nigeria,” and advocated for legislative reform to remove state of origin references from official documents.

On criticism over early politicking ahead of 2027, Kalu defended the ruling party’s midterm activities and said, “We are a political party and there must be activities. I was in the Senate to do my legislative job. It’s my dress and I have the right to wear anything I like.”

The senator also addressed recent backlash over his remarks on Nigeria’s economic challenges. “I work hard for every penny,” he said, accusing some wealthy Nigerians of exploiting forex subsidies. “People fighting Tinubu are those that speculate from the dollars.”

Despite acknowledging that the removal of fuel subsidy has impacted his businesses he owns two tank farms Kalu insisted the policy was necessary. “Tinubu made the best decision for the money to go to the rightful owners the people,” he said.

Highlighting his legacy as a job creator, Kalu claimed he employs over 14,000 Nigerians and is still building industries. He also shared his role in forming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealing he contributed over N500 million and $1 million in personal funds to support the party’s early development.

“I have never benefited from government,” he added. “Ask any PDP member in 1998 and 1999 I was the biggest importer of rice, sugar, and other confectioneries.”

Asked about his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Kalu said there was no animosity, calling for political unity: “Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi they are best of friends. Every day we come to fight, and abuse is no longer fashionable.”

Reviewing President Tinubu’s performance after two years in office, Kalu offered a mixed assessment. While acknowledging stability in fuel and foreign exchange, he admitted manufacturers were suffering. “The macro side is coming up, but other sides are not. Nigerians in the lower area are still suffering.”

He called for firmer monetary controls and changes in the security sector, adding, “Some ministers should go.”

Kalu concluded with a call for national cohesion and a realistic outlook on the country’s economic recovery: “President Tinubu needs a few more years. The economy will gain direction. Nigerians ought to be angry, but our party has not failed them. It’s political war that is hurting people, not the government.”