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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s claim that Nigerians “aren’t used to working hard” while defending President Tinubu’s economic policies has ignited fierce backlash. As inflation and unemployment bite deeper, his remarks highlight the growing disconnect between Nigeria’s political class and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.

  • Kalu argued that Nigerians’ frustration with Tinubu’s reforms, like subsidy removal and forex unification, stems from a culture of “easy money,” not policy flaws.
  • He admitted current hardships but predicted benefits in “2–3 years,” urging patience.
  • Critics blasted his comments as tone-deaf, pointing to Nigerians’ relentless hustle in a broken system.
  • The debate reflects wider tensions: Are struggles due to citizen habits or governance failures?

With food prices soaring and wages stagnant, Kalu’s words feel like salt on wounds. His framing pits “lazy citizens” against “necessary reforms,” ignoring systemic corruption and poor implementation. For Nigerians at home and abroad, this isn’t just about policies, it’s about respect.

Diaspora Nigerians are chiming in, comparing Kalu’s remarks to leaders blaming victims for crises. Market traders and labourers at home ask: “If hard work paid, why are we poorer?”

Can a nation progress if its leaders blame the people for policies that aren’t working?