In a bid to calm rising tensions, Senator Orji Kalu has called on Nigerians to postpone their planned nationwide protest. The senator representing Abia North emphasized the need for patience, urging citizens to give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the country’s economic issues.
“Going on protest now might be beneficial for democracy, but it will not be expedient for our economic development,” Kalu said in a statement released in Umuahia. He stressed that the timing for protests is not ideal and could hamper economic recovery efforts.
Kalu addressed various civil society organizations, youths, and citizens contemplating protests similar to those in Kenya, urging them to reconsider their plans. “Please, give President Tinubu a little more time as it is too early to judge him on his actions,” he added.
Economic Challenges Require Patience
The senator pointed out that no elected president would be happy to see his citizens suffer and that Tinubu is aware of the hardships faced by Nigerians. “I know that President Tinubu himself knows that we are hungry; he knows that we are suffering and that things are not the way they should be. I am sure and convinced that he is working on it,” Kalu stated.
Kalu highlighted the changes in oil revenue, noting that the once-lucrative oil money is no longer flowing as it used to. He reminded Nigerians of past warnings during strikes in 2020/2021 that the economic problems could not be quickly resolved. “This is 2024. The oil money is no longer coming in as it used to. When you wanted to go on strike sometime in 2020/2021, I repeatedly told you that Buhari is not the owner of this country,” he remarked.
The senator also underscored the complexity of the economic issues facing Nigeria, explaining that these challenges require thoughtful and measured responses. He urged citizens to recognize the depth of the economic problems and to understand that resolving them will take time and sustained effort. “The economic situation is dire, and it requires careful planning and execution to turn things around. Quick fixes are not going to work here,” Kalu explained.
Appeal for National Unity
Senator Kalu also emphasized the transient nature of political leadership, reminding citizens that the country remains theirs long after presidents have left office. “Today, Buhari is in Daura. Likewise, Tinubu is not the owner of this country. At most, in eight years, Tinubu will also be back in Lagos, while the country remains my country, your country, and our country,” he said.
He called for national unity and collective effort in tackling the economic crisis. “Please, let’s give him some time. In a press conference I held sometime in the past, I urged Nigerians to give him two to three years. It is difficult for what has gone wrong with this economy to be resolved in a few days,” Kalu concluded.
Kalu’s plea comes at a time when many Nigerians are feeling the pinch of economic hardship, with inflation rates soaring and the cost of living increasing. The senator acknowledged these difficulties but reiterated that President Tinubu is committed to finding long-term solutions. “The President is aware of the situation, and he is working tirelessly to address these issues. But we must understand that these things take time,” he said.
Source: Punch
