News Investigators/ The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He said the economic reforms of Tinubu’s government have placed Nigerian economy on a strong stand, urging Nigerians to back the administration, though he strongly opposed the calls for the return of petroleum subsidy.
The former Abia governor who made the remarks on Wednesday in Maryland, United States also canvassed support for the election of Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos state as the next governor.
His Chief Press Secretary Mr Kenneth Udeh made the position of Mr Kalu known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kalu was hosted by a cross-section of Nigerians in the Diaspora and fielded questions on the state of the Nigerian economy and the Tinubu administration’s reforms.
Kalu said Nigerians need to understand that fundamental economic reforms could not deliver their full benefits overnight.
He lauded President Tinubu for taking difficult decisions aimed at stabilising the country’s economy, drawing comparisons with reforms undertaken in countries such as Singapore.
“So, what President Tinubu is doing, I understand very well. Most people don’t understand. Most Nigerians don’t understand,” Mr Kalu said.
He said the administration’s immediate objective was to stabilise the polity and create a more conducive environment for economic activities.
However, Mr Kalu acknowledged that while progress had been made at the macroeconomic level, Nigerians are still experiencing difficulties at the microeconomic level, particularly because of insecurity.
“But, the macro area has done well, but micro has not done very well because of insecurity.
“People can’t go to farm, people can’t go to work in some local government areas in the Norther Nigeria and in some of South-East there are pockets of insecurity as well as other parts of Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on calls for subsidy return, the two-time Senator said that bringing back subsidy would not be best for Nigerians.
Mr Kalu strongly opposed calls by some political leaders for the restoration of petroleum subsidy, arguing that the policy has historically created opportunities for corruption and financial abuse.
He said his position was informed not only by his political experience but also by his exposure to the petroleum business.
He, however, called on government to explore other measures to cushion economic hardship rather than return to fuel subsidy.
According to him, I believe that bringing back subsidy is not the best for Nigerians. It’s not an option to the economic development of Nigeria. Government can do other things.
Mr Kalu alleged that the former subsidy regime was riddled with fraudulent beneficiaries, claiming that a significant number of the companies involved were not genuine.
He further linked the removal of subsidy to a reduction in what he described as conspicuous spending among beneficiaries of the former arrangement.
“While it was running there were many private jets, but I can tell you that the number of private jets has reduced in Nigeria because there is no more subsidy.
“There were about 143 companies that were doing subsidy and I can tell you that half of the number is fake.”
The Abia North senator lauded President Tinubu for taking what he described as a difficult but necessary decision.
“So, President Tinubu took a major decision that most people cannot take and this is what Nigeria requires.”
While defending the administration’s reforms, Kalu said Tinubu still had significant work to do, particularly in restoring security and creating more conditions necessary for economic growth.
According to him, Nigeria has reached a stage where the focus should now shift from stabilisation to growth, with improved security enabling farmers and businesses to return fully to productive activities.
“This is when our macro-economy, micro-economy will stablise better. We have reached where we are supposed to be. All we need is just to touch the growth area.”
He identified insecurity, rural economic activity and local government autonomy as critical areas requiring attention.
Mr Kalu also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians, particularly the South-East, to avoid what he described as the fragmentation of their political votes along ethnic lines in 2027.
He urged Nigerians to support the APC and work toward political consolidation rather than division.
The senator warned against dividing votes along ethnic lines, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges required cooperation rather than confrontation.
Kalu concluded with a call for greater unity, compassion and mutual assistance among Nigerians.
“This is the time for consolidation for the government of Nigeria and for the people of Nigeria.
“We must love ourselves; we need love more than quarreling to move forward.”
Mr Kalu who doubles as the Chairman, Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) also endorsed Hamzat as next governor of Lagos State, describing him as a competent choice for the state’s future leadership.
According to Kalu, Hamzat’s long experience in the Lagos State Government gives him a strong understanding of governance and Nigeria’s diverse population.
“Governor, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, is a good choice. Yes, in kind, in person, in mind and in everything.
“He has been in the government of Lagos State from 2006 till today. He understands our people, he understands Nigeria, he understands the Yoruba people, he understands the Hausa people and the Igbo people,” he said.
Mr Kalu said Hamzat could be entrusted with the responsibility of building a new Lagos and contributing to a new Nigeria where citizens would have a greater sense of belonging.
He strongly expressed the belief that Hamzat would be a trustee of that dream to build a new Lagos, a new Nigeria, where everybody would have a say in the state.
NAN