Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians, while maintaining that President Bola Tinubu has succeeded in stabilising the country’s economy.
Kalu made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The former governor of Abia State admitted that many Nigerians were grappling with difficult economic conditions but argued that the challenges were more pronounced at the grassroots level.
“Of course, yes,” Kalu said when asked whether Nigerians were experiencing hardship.
He, however, defended the President’s economic policies, insisting that the administration had made progress in strengthening the country’s macroeconomic outlook.
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“President Tinubu has been able to stabilise the macro part of the economy. What we are suffering today is the micro side of the economy,” he said.
According to the senator, persistent insecurity across parts of the country has significantly affected agricultural activities and contributed to the rising cost of living.
He noted that many farmers had been forced to abandon their farmlands because of attacks by insurgents and bandits.
“People can’t go to farms. People are running away from what they are supposed to do because of bandits,” he said.
Kalu’s remarks come amid increasing public concern over inflation, food prices, insecurity and the overall cost of living in the country.
The Federal Government has repeatedly defended its economic reforms, arguing that the measures are necessary to strengthen the economy and deliver long-term benefits.