The Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Saturday picked holes with the implementation of four national budgets running concurrently, describing it as recipe for chaos and frivolity.
On Thursday, the two chambers of the National Assembly extended the implementation of the capital components of the 2023 main and supplementary budgets to December 31, 2024 following the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Writing on his X handle on Saturday, the LP standards bearer said it’s not only a flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, it is trampling on transparency and accountability.
According to the former Anambra State Governor: “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 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.
“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.”