Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has downplayed the risk posed by the newly fashioned opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, insisting the All Progressives Congress (APC) stays centered on governance.
Talking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Might 27, the lawmaker representing Abia North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Improvement Fee mentioned the ruling occasion is extra involved with nationwide progress than political scheming.
“We aren’t dropping sleep. APC has no motive to be afraid. We’re the ruling occasion and captivated with Nigeria’s progress. Many people are investing in industries to create jobs past politics,” Kalu said.
He dismissed claims that rising help for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election was a response to opposition actions, arguing as a substitute that the endorsements stem from public approval of the President’s management.
“These endorsements usually are not about worry. They’re a results of the President’s daring selections and transformative governance,” he famous.
Responding to opposition criticism, Kalu mentioned dissent is anticipated in a democracy however shouldn’t be seen as an indication of weak point.
“The opposition has each proper to problem us. That’s their job. However ours is to ship outcomes, and we’re doing simply that. In time, Nigerians will come to understand the robust selections this administration has made,” he added.
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On Tinubu’s current go to to the Vatican, which drew feedback in regards to the President’s religion background, Kalu clarified that it was a private invitation from Pope Francis.
“It could have been disrespectful to disregard such an invite. As a Catholic myself, I do know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, together with Nigerians, worth that gesture. In 2027, many will bear in mind it,” he mentioned.
He additionally revealed that the APC South-East caucus had endorsed Tinubu’s second time period nicely earlier than the present wave of public endorsements.
“We have been the primary to endorse him. That assembly, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by Ebonyi State’s Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was the place the nationwide endorsement actually began,” he mentioned, pointing to his Tinubu-branded apparel.
Turning to the economic system, Kalu recommended the President’s tough coverage selections, together with gas subsidy elimination and change price unification, calling them vital steps to rescue the economic system.
“As a businessman, I do know that these are robust however wanted selections. That is the primary president to finish the period of low-cost cash. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s actual reform,” he mentioned.
Kalu concluded with optimism, asserting that the present {economic} hardship will give strategy to long-term positive aspects for Nigerians.
“President Tinubu isn’t just a Southern chief. His re-election in 2027 shall be supported by each North and South. We’re united within the aim to maintain Nigeria complete and thriving,” he mentioned.
