Nigerians Are Used To Getting Easy Money – Orji Uzor Kalu Defends Tinubu

Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senator for Abia North, stated that Nigerians are voicing opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies because they are accustomed to earning money effortlessly.

The former Governor of Abia State shared these comments on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, during a discussion with journalists at the National Assembly complex.

When asked to evaluate the economy under the current administration, the Senate Chief Whip, while recognizing that Nigerians are enduring hardships due to the economic reforms, asserted that the benefits of these reforms would become evident within two years.

“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 2–3 years, the President’s policies will trickle down, and Nigerians will appreciate what he’s doing,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli