- Obi said it is the height of fiscal irresponsibility for the Nigerian government to implement four national budgets simultaneously
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has slammed the president Bola Tinubu-led federal government over budget proliferation.
Obi said it is the height of fiscal irresponsibility for the Nigerian government to implement four national budgets simultaneously.
Obi stated that all available evidence has confirmed the government is operating multiple budgets.
The former Anambra State governor said the development shows how insensitive the government is to the plight of Nigerians, adding that implementing four budgets gives room for wastage and profligacy in how public fund is expended.
He voice his concern in a statement issued on Saturday on his X handle..
He added that it is also a recipe for chaos, confusion and catastrophe.
Obi, therefore, demanded that the situation be addressed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting.
He argued that neither the National Assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour.
Obi said: “All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently. This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.
“This intentionally reckless action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
“It indicates that the Leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively”
He underscored the need to prioritise the needs of the suffering and impoverished masses instead of putting the self interests of a few above national interests.
“Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way.
“I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting. We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few. This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.
“Neither the National Assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour. We seek and insist on a nation governed by leaders who are frugal and responsible in their handling of public resources.
This is the only way we can build a great nation.”