Southeast Governors Endorsed Tinubu Before Others – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu …Says President’s Reforms Will Soon Bear Fruit

By Iyojo Ameh

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed suggestions that recent endorsements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are motivated by fear of emerging political coalitions, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains confident and forward-looking.

Speaking with journalists at National Assembly, the former Abia State governor said the APC is passionate about Nigeria and committed to building a prosperous future for all.

“No, no, no. I don’t think that a party like APC has anybody to fear. We are a ruling party. We are passionate about Nigeria. We love Nigeria. That’s why most of us are building industries across the country so our people can have jobs. So there’s nothing like fear,” he said.

According to Kalu, it is the role of the opposition to criticize, while the ruling party focuses on governance. “It’s our job to do our job, and we are doing it very well. I believe Nigerians will come to appreciate what Mr. President is doing in the next few years,” he added.

Reacting to concerns about President Tinubu’s visit to the Vatican for the Pope’s inauguration, which some said should have been undertaken by a Christian official, Kalu clarified that the visit was based on a personal invitation from the Pope.

“Mr. President is a personal friend of the Pope. They met in Chicago. The Pope personally invited him. So it would be out of place if the President disobeyed that invitation,” Kalu explained, adding, “About 1.8 billion Catholics, including me, will appreciate him for that.”

On the matter of political endorsements, the senator stated that the Southeast had shown early support for Tinubu.

“We, the Southeast caucus, endorsed him about three or four weeks ago, before any other group. It was chaired by the Governor of Imo State and co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi and the Deputy Speaker. We were the first to move for a national endorsement,” he noted.

Kalu defended Tinubu’s bold economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and currency reforms, describing them as necessary steps toward long-term recovery.

“Yes, people are suffering now, but the benefits are beginning to show at the macro level. This is the first President to stop subsidy, the first to merge the dollar. We are suffering now because Nigerians are not used to working hard,” he said. “But if you want to make money now, you must work for it. No more shortcuts.”

He argued that Tinubu represents unity and strength across Nigeria’s regions, noting, “He’s not going to be a President voted by the South alone. He’ll be voted by both North and South. It’s in everyone’s interest for him to return in 2027.”

Kalu also called on Nigerians to pray for President Tinubu’s health and successful completion of his tenure.

“Tinubu is not the owner of Nigeria. He will be there for a maximum of eight years. One day, he will return to Lagos just like Buhari is now in Daura. So we should all support him to finish strong,” he said.

When asked about his continued recognition as Best Senator, Kalu credited the people and his visible impact in Abia North.

“You people give me the award. I didn’t give it to myself. What I’m doing in Abia North is what I did as governor. But in 2027, we’ll shift focus from roads and schools to agriculture. We’ll push for a comprehensive agricultural policy,” he disclosed.

Highlighting his grassroots development efforts, Kalu said, “You’ll find many caterpillars working in the constituency. Where government efforts fall short, my foundation steps in. We are investing in roads, schools, and now, IDP relief across the North.”

He emphasized his commitment to service, revealing, “I don’t need money to serve. I don’t even have a bank account. For me, leadership means lifting people up.”

Asked about his custom attire, which bore a symbolic endorsement of the President, Kalu quipped, “People are already wearing it. You just noticed because you have a sharp eye. I’m wearing it for the President—our President.”