Former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stirred controversy with remarks suggesting Nigerians are "not used to working hard" while defending President Bola Tinubu's economic policies.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's Senate plenary session, Senator Kalu, who notably attended wearing attire emblazoned with proclamations of Tinubu's 2027 presidential ambition, highlighted what he considers the President's major achievements: the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.

"I'm not a sycophant. This is the first president who stopped the subsidy and the first who merged the dollar. That's why we are suffering; Nigerians are not used to working hard. We are used to getting cheap money," Kalu stated.

The senator acknowledged the current economic hardship facing Nigerians as a result of these policies but expressed optimism that the situation would improve within the next few years.

"Down the line, people are still suffering, yes, I agree with that. So I'm hoping that in the next two, three years, the policies of Mr. President will trickle down, and Nigerians will appreciate what Mr. President is doing," he added.

Kalu's comments come amid growing discontent over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, with many citizens struggling to cope with inflation and increased prices of essential commodities following the implementation of Tinubu's economic reforms.

The senator's public endorsement of Tinubu for a second term in 2027, despite the President not yet officially declaring his intention to run, has also raised eyebrows in political circles.

Political analysts note that Kalu's comments reflect growing divisions among Nigerian politicians regarding the impact and effectiveness of the current administration's economic policies, particularly as they affect ordinary citizens.