The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has described the approval given by the National Assembly to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to implement four national budgets concurrently as a recipe for chaos and frivolity.
Obi said this in a series of tweets on his X handle on Saturday, noting that what the lawmakers and the executive have agreed to do is in flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
The former Anambra State Governor 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.
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“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.”
Recall that the National Assembly on Thursday approved an extension of the lifespan of the capital component of the 2023 Appropriation as well as the Supplementary Appropriation Acts to December 31st, 2024.
In December 2023, both chambers of the National Assembly extended the implementation period for the capital component of the budget from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024, along with the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget passed in November 2023.
This is without prejudice to the fact that the 2024 Appropriation Act is still being implemented.
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