President Tinubu Patrols Abuja at Night with One or Two Cars, He’s Aware of Nigerians’ Struggles – Orji Uzor Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is acutely aware of the economic challenges facing Nigerians and has been taking proactive steps to stay in touch with the realities on the ground. According to Kalu, the president regularly drives around Abuja at night with only one or two vehicles to observe firsthand what Nigerians are going through.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator emphasized that President Tinubu is not detached from the suffering of the people. “The president knows Nigerians are suffering and hungry,” Kalu said. “He’s a street person; he knows the streets very well. Some nights, he drives around the capital with just a few cars to see what’s happening. He’s not a president who stays locked up in a room.”

This revelation comes as the country grapples with an economic downturn following the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, which have significantly increased the cost of living for millions of Nigerians. Inflation rates hit a staggering 32.7% in September 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, pushing basic necessities out of reach for many citizens.

Global Economic Impact

While acknowledging the economic strain, Kalu described the decisions made by the Tinubu administration as “courageous” and necessary for long-term stability. He also pointed out that Nigeria is not alone in facing these difficulties, citing the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a lingering issue affecting many countries.

“The pressure of COVID-19 has not gone,” the senator noted. “This economic hardship is not peculiar to Nigeria—it’s happening almost everywhere in the world.”

Despite the tough conditions, Kalu expressed optimism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is making strides in addressing the crisis. He believes the government is committed to economic reforms aimed at stabilizing and reviving Nigeria’s economy. “They are trying to bring the economy back to where it’s supposed to be,” Kalu said.

Lawmakers Under Scrutiny

Kalu also took the opportunity to address widespread criticism of lawmakers and government officials, who have been accused of being out of touch with the average Nigerian’s plight. Contrary to popular belief, the senator clarified that members of the National Assembly do not receive personal luxury benefits, including official vehicles.

“I sit in the Senate, and I hear all the things people say about lawmakers, but most of these claims are not true,” Kalu asserted. “Committees are provided vehicles for official use, but no individual lawmaker is given any personal vehicle.”