Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has come to the defense of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, attributing negative public reactions to a cultural reliance on “easy money.” Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on May 27, Kalu acknowledged the current hardships faced by Nigerians but urged citizens to exercise patience, asserting that the benefits of the ongoing economic reforms will materialize in the coming years.

Kalu, a businessman and former governor of Abia State, commented on the challenges Nigerians are experiencing under the new economic framework, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. He described these moves as unprecedented since Nigeria’s independence, stating, “This is the first President who has stopped the fuel subsidy and merged the dollar rates.”

He emphasized that many Nigerians are unaccustomed to hard work, having previously relied on speculative practices for income. “People used to sit in their houses, use their phones, get dollars, and sell at very high rates,” he noted, suggesting that the reforms are necessary to shift the economic culture towards more sustainable practices.

Kalu criticized the culture of unearned wealth, highlighting issues like currency speculation and profiteering from government contracts. He stated, “If you are ready to make money, do it the right way. If you’re not ready, then leave it.” He expressed hope that as the economic policies take effect, the positive impacts will trickle down to the average citizen, fostering a stronger work ethic and economic resilience.

Kalu’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the immediate effects of these reforms, and his defense of Tinubu’s policies reflects a broader narrative within the government aimed at encouraging patience and hard work among the populace.