At separate interviews with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, Orji Uzor Kalu, and his counterpart in the Finance Committee, Senator Sani Musa, launched subtle campaigns for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
Kalu, who spoke with journalists shortly before the start of plenary, said since Tinubu had performed well as President, he should be elected unopposed in the 2031 general elections.
He said, “Many Nigerian presidents who have not performed well had won a second term in the past.
“We are appealing to the Nigerian people to be patient with the reform process
“We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside of our party; we are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president.
“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable.”
On the current hardship in the country as a result of the fiscal and monetary policy undertaken by President Tinubu, Orji Kalu enjoined Nigerians to be patient as there would soon be light at the end of the tunnel.
He said, “Reforms are difficult, but they are necessary. The economy has been cut into pieces, and now we are trying to sew it back together. It is a tough process, but patience is required.
“The President is now making wider consultations, both locally and internationally, before taking key economic decisions.”
Musa who also spoke with the journalists on the ongoing public hearing on the tax reform bills, also said President Tinubu, would spend eight years in office to ensure the efficient implementation of the fiscal legislations.
“When you look at advanced economies, Mr. President has said that he wants to see Nigeria having a $1trillion economy and this is the beginning of it.
“For us to do it, we must do it in a way that is not only during the time of Mr. President. Mr. President is only going to stay for likely eight years.
“After eight years, there will be another government. So we want a law that will outlive anybody that is there, even us that we are making the law, at the end of the day we are going to be the ones also that will have to follow what we have led”, he said.
Uzor Kalu also spoke on the recent declaration by former military president Ibrahim Babangida in his book that the late Moshood Abiola, won the 1993 presidential election which was annulled by him then
He asked President Bola Tinubu to conduct a post motem swearing in for the late MKO Abiola as president of Nigeria.
“Since Abiola won, the election his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents.
“I commend former President Buhari for giving him (Abiola) a posthumous national honour, but I would also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognise him and place his image where it belongs.
“This would help bring succour to his family.”
