Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy as one of the most courageous and necessary economic policies of recent times, insisting that it was made in the interest of the Nigerian people.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, stated this during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday.
He argued that although the subsidy removal has affected many Nigerians, including himself as a business owner, it was the right call.
“Tinubu made the best decision to stop the subsidy for the money to go to the rightful owners – the people,” he said.
“It even affected me. I have two tank farms. But the truth is most of those fighting him are people who used to make easy money from dollar speculation and subsidy.”
The former Abia State governor explained that his open endorsement of President Tinubu for re-election in 2027 — including wearing an outfit emblazoned with “Tinubu for President 2027 is not an act of sycophancy, as widely perceived.
“Can a man like me be sycophantic? I’m not looking for anything. I’m not running for President — I just want to return to the Senate. It’s a uniform for 2027,” he said.
Kalu maintained that as a political party, the APC must be allowed to engage in internal mobilisation ahead of elections, and he dismissed the criticism over the timing of his endorsement.
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“I wore the outfit because my house manager gave it to me that morning. I don’t see anything wrong in it. It’s the press people who saw something wrong,” he said.
On whether he is now acting as an unofficial campaign manager for Tinubu, he responded, “What is wrong with that? I will be happy to do the job. I don’t regret it.”
Defending Tinubu’s performance, Kalu acknowledged that while the economy remains fragile, there are signs of improvement, particularly in the stabilisation of the naira and fuel prices.
“The macro side is coming up, but the impact has not yet reached the people. I’ve told the President some ministers must go. The security situation is also hurting growth,” he said.
Kalu, a businessman, also expressed concerns over currency regulation and called for tighter control of dollar usage in the economy. “We need to regulate street trading of foreign currency, just like South Africa,” he advised.
Touching on his broader political philosophy, Kalu urged Nigerians to prioritise national unity over regionalism. “President Tinubu is not a southern President. He is Nigeria’s President. We should stop identifying by tribe or state. Let’s start seeing ourselves as Nigerians.”
He also clarified earlier comments that appeared to blame Nigerians for economic challenges, stating that his criticism was directed at a minority who profited from subsidies and currency arbitrage.
“I said most rich people lie on their beds and expect easy money. I work hard for every penny I earn. I employ over 14,000 Nigerians. Some of those attacking me can’t even build an industry,” he said.
Kalu revisited his political past, claiming he was a key financier of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, donating over $1 million to Obasanjo’s campaign and ₦500 million to the party.
“I don’t regret forming the PDP. I’m not fighting with anyone. Nigeria needs unity, not constant political war. Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi, they’re all friends. The abuse must stop.”
Kalu added that Tinubu deserves more time to steer the country out of its economic woes.
“The economy was in shambles. It’s not his fault. Give him two more years, and you’ll see progress.”
