Don’t Blame Tinubu For Nigeria’s Hardship, Kalu Calls

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said President Bola Tinubu should not be blamed for Nigeria’s current economic suffering.

This comes as the legislator celebrated his 53rd birthday on Sunday by honouring orphans, widows, those with disabilities, and the elderly in his Bende, Abia State, country residence. Fielding questions from journalists during the heavily packed event, the Deputy Speaker emphasised that Nigeria’s current economic woes were caused by previous administrations’ blunders, which President Tinubu is working hard to correct.

“The hardship we are passing through was not caused by this man. It’s a piled up case of previous administrations and how they mismanaged one or two things.”

Kalu asked Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu as he works to fix the difficulties he inherited, noting that his initiatives are starting to show results.

“We cannot continue to live in lies thinking that all is well. Tinubu wants to clean up the place so that we can have a genuine livelihood that is sustainable. Let’s keep supporting and encouraging him.”

He anticipated a brighter future for the country following the current volatility, asking Nigerians not to give up and to have faith in the country’s current leadership. On why he chose to celebrate his birthday with the poor, the Deputy Speaker stated that life is all about offering care and service to humanity, and that he feels fulfilled by putting smiles on people’s faces, particularly the downtrodden.

“I can afford to be in Abuja and celebrate with the rich but of what purpose is that when we still have the poor, the widows, the blind, and orphans around us?

“These classes of people are hardly remembered or cared for. Nobody tells them: I love you, I care for you.

“So, I decided to give them hope. They are here in their numbers, and we are all going to eat from the same pot today, and afterwards, I will give them something to take home.”

“What is the essence of keeping things in the warehouse when there is hunger in the land? What is the essence of keeping things until election periods?

“I’m not interested in the political party or faith. I’m interested in the colour of humanity which is: if you are up, extend your hands to those who are down.

“Let’s spread love, peace and unity, showing others that we care irrespective of their background or political affiliation.”

When asked why certain major leaders from other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, were defecting to his All Progressives Congress (APC), the Deputy Speaker attributed the development to President Tinubu’s ‘South East friendly disposition’.

“The product we are selling in the current administration of President Tinubu is the reason. If you are blind, are you also deaf to hear that this man has good plans for the South East region?

“He is doing well and that is what is attracting a lot of people to him. He helped one of their sons to become the number six citizen in the country. And this their son is doing well.

“Tinubu helped in my emergence by ensuring that the plan against the South East producing the Deputy Speaker did not work. He insisted that equity and fairness must prevail. He ensured balance in distribution of positions in the country.

“Mr President has endeared himself in the heart of Abians, and they are beginning to see that this is where the renewed hope is. That’s why they are leaving their parties.

“It’s not only PDP, even members of Labour Party are also joining the APC. We are pushing and targeting other political parties to join the mainstream political party.

“We expect a lot more people to come on board the APC ship. I can assure you that APC will take Abia State”.