Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s economy, warning that without continued borrowing, the system could face total collapse.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today aired by Channels Television on Monday, the senator from Abia North stated, “Let me tell you, if this economy does not borrow, it will collapse. That’s the truth. That’s where we are.”
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, explained that although he’s not directly involved in the review of loan proposals, he understands the necessity of borrowing for economic sustainability.
“Of course, the committee of foreign and local debts used to scrutinise them. I am not a member of that committee. You know these jobs are done mainly at the committee level,” he said.
He also addressed a recent controversy surrounding his appearance at the Senate wearing an outfit printed with “Tinubu for President 2027.” The attire drew public attention and sparked discussions about early politicking.
Responding to the backlash, Kalu proudly attributed the craftsmanship to local artisans.
“Who else would have made that dress other than Aba tailors? It was made in Aba, dyed in Aba and delivered in Aba,” he said.
“It is only Aba people who are hardworking who can do it. It’s very fashionable and I will wear it again.”
Dismissing accusations of sycophancy, Kalu said his actions were not motivated by political flattery.
“Can a man like me be sycophantic? I am not running for anything. Where am I running to? I’m only running to return to the senate,” he said.
“It’s not political sycophancy. I am a man who can’t be sycophantic. It is a uniform for 2027. Sure, my house manager just made it available that morning, and I wore it. I don’t see anything wrong with wearing it. It’s you press people, who saw something wrong.”
INEC did not ban political activities – Kalu
He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not banned political activity, saying preparations are already in motion.
“INEC has lifted the ban on the campaign, but we are preparing.”
When asked if he had assumed the role of a campaign strategist for President Tinubu’s re-election, Kalu said he would be honoured to do so.
“What is wrong with that? I will be very happy to accept it and do the job for him. I don’t have anything to regret in doing the job,” he said.
He also pushed back against viewing Tinubu’s leadership through a regional lens.
“President Tinubu is not the president of the south but the candidate of Nigeria, and I am a Nigerian,” he said.
“I have always said this, every Nigerian should stop addressing himself or herself by region. I have asked for legislation where I suggested we remove all local government and state information on forms; people should only fill in that they are Nigerians.”
Commenting on criticism that discussions about 2027 politics are premature, Kalu argued that political engagement is part of any functioning party.
“We are a political party, and there must be activities of a political party. We had a midterm assessment of our party where the whole party’s stakeholders gathered,” he said.
“I was in the Senate to do my legislative job, and the journalists ran over me. It’s my dress, and I have the right to wear anything I like. There is freedom of association and freedom of speech. I also have the right to say what I want to say.”
He also revisited a previous remark he made about how some Nigerians acquire wealth, which had stirred debate.
“I’m not regretting what I said. I work hard for every penny,” he said.
“Most rich people are waiting on these beds to take money from subsidies and sell dollars. These are what they have been doing. But it’s not about all Nigerians; I said most Nigerians, not all.”
Highlighting his contributions to the economy, Kalu said his commitment to job creation speaks louder than criticism.
“I think about the people more than most of those attacking me. They have money, but they can’t build any industry in Nigeria,” he said.
“I still have about 14,000 Nigerian employees on my payroll today, and I’m building more industries to employ more. When I speak the truth, you know I don’t bend my words. I’m not a politician in the first instance — I just found myself doing this.”
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, suggesting that it would take more time for President Tinubu’s reforms to yield visible results.
“President Tinubu needs a few more years. I think the economy will have a good sense of direction in two years, and the benefits will start coming,” he said.
“This economy has been in shambles, and it was not caused by anybody.
As for the president’s vow to reduce poverty, Kalu advised the public to manage expectations.
“There is no rocket science about it. Nigerians should be patriotic. The whole world is still feeling the effects of COVID,” he said.
