Senator Kalu claims Tinubu takes nighttime tours in Abuja to understand Nigerians’ struggles

Senator Orji Kalu has come out in defense of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s struggling economy.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Kalu assured viewers that President Tinubu is well aware of the country’s economic woes and is taking proactive steps to address them.

“The president himself knows that Nigerians are suffering and hungry. He is a street person; he knows the street very well,” Kalu said, emphasizing Tinubu’s connection to the everyday struggles of Nigerians.

Kalu also revealed that President Tinubu regularly goes on nighttime drives to get a firsthand feel for the pulse of the people.

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“The president some nights uses his car to go around and know what is happening in Abuja here. The president goes around with one or two cars and sees what is happening. He is not a president that is locked up in the room,” Kalu explained.

Despite Nigeria’s alarming 32.7% inflation rate as of September 2024, Kalu argued that President Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and floating the naira, demonstrate courage.

He acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but emphasized that these challenges are not unique to the country.

“The pressure of COVID-19 has not gone… Let me be honest with you. I know things are not the way they are supposed to be… The economy has not been so friendly; the atmosphere has not been so friendly. But this economic problem is going on almost everywhere in the world,” Kalu said.

The senator also commended the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its efforts to revamp the economy.

“They are trying to reform the economy. They are trying to bring back the economy where it is supposed to be.”

However, many Nigerians remain skeptical, accusing lawmakers and the ruling class of being out of touch with the people’s struggles.

Kalu disputed this, stating that lawmakers do not receive official vehicles. “I am in the Senate and a lot of things are said about the Senators… Most of these things are not true. All I know is that committees get vehicles, no lawmaker is given any vehicle.”

Critics argue that the government’s policies have exacerbated economic hardship, citing rising food and healthcare costs. For instance, the inflation rate for essential items like food rose to 40% in January 2024, up from 25% the previous year. Healthcare costs have also skyrocketed, with some foreign medications increasing by 1,000%.

Amidst these challenges, Nigerians are increasingly seeking escape routes. Passport applications have surged, with a 100% increase between 2022 and 2023, indicating dwindling faith in the government’s ability to reverse economic fortunes.

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