By Okeke Eunice
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has expressed optimism about the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating they will lead to positive results.
The former Abia State governor emphasized the need to overhaul the nation’s outdated laws, some of which are over a century old. He noted that these laws are no longer effective in addressing modern global economic challenges and must be updated to align with current realities.
During a private visit to Chief Daniel Eke, a former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, at his Igbere country home, Kalu highlighted the importance of fostering competition among Nigeria’s 36 states for the nation to achieve significant progress, similar to China’s advancements.
Commenting on the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Tinubu, Kalu praised the initiative, describing it as a courageous and necessary move for economic growth.
Highlighting the need for broader consultations, Kalu criticized the manner in which the bill was introduced, stating that Nigerians were not adequately informed beforehand.
He emphasized that no state in Nigeria is truly poor, asserting that every state is equally important and richly endowed. While acknowledging the hardships and struggles Nigerians are currently facing due to the reforms, he assured that these challenges would soon be resolved.
Kalu remarked, “Tinubu is a bold leader who tackled the issue head-on. I’m not saying this to curry favor or out of flattery. As you all know, I am an established politician and a successful business entrepreneur.”
“We must give the President the opportunity to implement these reforms. The Tax Reform Bill is not a bad one; it is progressive. However, the issue lies in the fact that Nigerians were not adequately educated or informed about its numerous benefits.
“The Tax Reform Bill itself is not problematic, but we need to ensure that all regions are included and properly educated on what the bill entails.”
Referring to China, Kalu explained that the Tax Reform Bills will foster competition among states, which will lead to better resource management and increased productivity.
“We won’t make significant progress as a nation unless we adopt China’s model of competition. Nigerians must embrace economic competition, with each of the 36 states striving for better productivity. That is the only way the country can experience growth and development similar to China.”
President Tinubu is working to ensure that all states become competitive. China, for example, has experienced 35 years of growth at a 10 percent rate, which has contributed to its rise as a powerful nation.
Their growth is not driven by human rights, but by the culture of competition. If we want to progress, we must embrace competition; the practice of distributing free money from Abuja must end.
We need to test our resilience. Our laws, some of which are over a century old, must be reformed, but this should be done with input from the people. To catch up with other nations, we need to build more universities, as we are still behind.
Kalu acknowledged that Nigerians are facing hardships, but he praised their patience and expressed optimism that 2025 will bring positive results from the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
He stated, “President Tinubu understands the struggles people are enduring, and I am aware of them as well. However, reforms are underway, and there is hope for improvement.”
“I fully understand the challenges and suffering of our people. I urge Nigerians to remain patient and recognize that we are going through a necessary process.”
Earlier, Kalu reaffirmed his dedication to improving economic and infrastructural benefits for his constituents, saying, “I will continue fulfilling my responsibilities as a senator, and I take this duty very seriously. I left behind my private companies, which were worth millions of dollars, to focus on serving as a senator, as this role is of greater importance.”
“I aimed to show the people of Abia North an exemplary model of leadership. I have continued the work I started as governor, empowering the people to decide who leads them. I have proven my commitment both as a governor and now as a senator.”
In response, Eke thanked Kalu for the visit and praised the senator for his contributions to the senatorial district, adding, “Other senators might offer small gifts like frying pans, but we need better roads, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and industries that will create jobs for our people.”
“Senator Kalu is not only fulfilling his legislative duties, but he has also set up processing companies that will provide employment for our people, which is what truly matters. He is doing this for the benefit of our community.”