PeakNews Online
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the concurrent implementation of four national budgets, describing it as a recipe for chaos and frivolity.
Taking to his X handle on Saturday, Obi criticized the practice, calling it a flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. The former Anambra State Governor stated, “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.”
Obi warned that such an approach would lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people. He added, “It indicates that the leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively.”
Obi expressed disappointment that this fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives, betraying the fundamental principles of democracy. “Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way,” he noted.
Calling for immediate action, Obi demanded a reversal of the current budgeting approach in favor of a more responsible and transparent method. “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,” he said.
Obi emphasized that neither the National Assembly nor the executive branch has any excuse to promote or condone such behavior. He concluded, “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.”
