Nigerians Not Used to Hard Work — Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Despite Hardship
Former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, while making a controversial statement that “Nigerians are not used to working hard.”
Senator Kalu made the remarks on Tuesday during a media chat with journalists after a plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja. While acknowledging the current economic hardship being experienced across the country, Kalu defended President Tinubu’s administration, citing bold decisions like the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as long-overdue reforms.
“Down the line, people are still suffering, yes, I agree with that. So I’m hoping that in the next two, three years, the policies of Mr. President will trickle down, and Nigerians will appreciate what Mr. President is doing,” Kalu stated.
The senator argued that although the economic pain is real, it is a necessary sacrifice for long-term gain. He praised Tinubu for taking steps that previous administrations failed to confront, particularly in ending fuel subsidies and merging the exchange rate of the naira.
“I’m not a sycophant. This is the first president who stopped the subsidy and the first who merged the dollar. That’s why we are suffering; Nigerians are not used to working hard. We are used to getting cheap money,” Kalu added.
His comments sparked immediate reactions on social media, with many Nigerians interpreting the statement as dismissive of the real struggles of ordinary citizens who are grappling with the soaring cost of living, food inflation, and declining purchasing power.
While some have praised Kalu for speaking candidly about the culture of dependency that has hindered productivity in Nigeria, others criticized his remarks as insensitive, especially coming from a public official who has benefited from the system for decades.
Kalu’s remarks come amid growing public debate over the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s economic agenda, which, though hailed by some economists as necessary for structural reform, has plunged many Nigerians into deeper poverty.
Despite the backlash, Kalu maintained that the next two to three years would be critical for Nigerians to witness the dividends of Tinubu’s bold reforms. He also suggested that if the benefits begin to materialize, President Tinubu could earn a second term in office based on performance.
