Kalu Urges Tinubu to Replace Ineffective Officials

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take bold steps by overhauling his cabinet and replacing underperforming security chiefs, marking the president’s second year in office with decisive leadership changes aimed at tackling insecurity and economic discontent.

The former Abia State governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) made these remarks during an interview. Kalu emphasized that the time had come for President Tinubu to prioritize competence over loyalty.

“There are ministers and security leaders who have clearly not met expectations,” Kalu said. “It’s time the President acted with courage and without sentiment to restructure his team and strengthen governance.”

While Kalu stopped short of publicly naming officials he believes should be dismissed, he disclosed that he has had private discussions with President Tinubu about individuals he believes are not contributing meaningfully to national progress.

He linked the deteriorating security situation, especially in agrarian communities, to politically motivated sabotage, alleging that certain elites and business figures are orchestrating instability for political gain. “What we are seeing is not random,” he warned. “There are vested interests who aren’t chasing wealth, chasing power.”

Kalu also took aim at Nigeria’s growing informal use of foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, in everyday real estate and street-level transactions. According to him, such practices undermine national currency stability and must be urgently outlawed.

“Nigeria must reclaim its monetary sovereignty,” he stated. “Other nations like India, the UK, and South Africa don’t permit foreign currencies to dominate local markets. We should follow suit.”

Despite acknowledging the widespread economic hardship currently experienced by Nigerians, Kalu maintained that President Tinubu’s economic strategies are laying the groundwork for long-term improvements. He cited positive signs in exchange rate management and industrial productivity but admitted that the benefits have yet to reach everyday citizens.

“There’s still pain at the grassroots,” he said. “But reforms take time, possibly another year or two—before the average person begins to feel the impact.”

In conclusion, Kalu appealed for unity among Nigeria’s political class, encouraging a collective focus on national development. He urged leaders across party lines to set aside rivalry for the good of the nation. “We’ve all been colleagues (Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi). This is the time to think beyond politics and work together for the sake of ordinary Nigerians.”