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Tinubu’s Reforms Yielding Macro Gains Despite Microeconomic Hardship – Orji Kalu
Abuja – Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are showing positive results at the macroeconomic level, even though Nigerians continue to face hardship at the microeconomic level.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said while key economic indicators have stabilized, ordinary Nigerians and businesses are yet to feel the impact.
“I am a businessman. I manufacture goods. The micro side of the economy is not doing that well, and that’s what concerns the average person,” Kalu stated.
He noted that the administration has recorded improvements in foreign exchange stability, fuel pricing, and foreign direct investment inflows. According to him, insecurity remains a major factor undermining microeconomic recovery, as activities of bandits and insurgents have disrupted farming and production across the country.
Kalu attributed part of the security challenge to the proliferation of small arms from conflict zones in the Sahel region, and said global events like the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East have also affected economies worldwide.
“Reform is not a Christmas party. It is not a Sallah party. In a reform, we have to see the good, the best and the ugly,” he said.
The former Senate Chief Whip also weighed in on the controversy trailing President Tinubu’s recent meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBN) at the Presidential Villa, where the bishops raised concerns about insecurity, economic hardship and political inclusion.
Kalu, who described himself as a devout Catholic, said the President did not insult the Church and owes it no apology over the engagement.
“The President didn’t say anything that needs apology,” Kalu said, adding that if the President ever errs against the Church, he should be ready to apologize.
He stressed that the Catholic Church has a long-standing tradition of speaking truth to power under both military and civilian governments, noting that “what politicians cannot tell President Tinubu, the Catholic bishops can tell him.”
Kalu also clarified that recent comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan should not be taken as the official position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, as the Cardinal has a history of independently commenting on national issues.
He dismissed claims that the President is unaware of the current hardship, insisting that Tinubu is well briefed and engaged, and that tackling insecurity remains key to economic recovery.
Source: The Sun Nigeria –