Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has sharply criticized the Nigerian government’s approach to handling national budgets.
He claims the concurrent execution of four national budgets is a “recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.”
In a recent post on his X handle, Obi argued that this practice flagrantly disregards fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
He believes it leads to unnecessary competition between frivolous budget items and essential projects, worsening the plight of the Nigerian people.
“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,” Obi stated.
He added, “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.”
Obi expressed his concerns about the negative impacts of such fiscal practices on Nigeria’s economy and citizens. He called for an immediate reversal of this policy in favor of a more responsible and transparent budgeting process.
“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,” he urged.
Obi also emphasized the importance of frugality and responsibility among leaders in handling public resources. “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 behavior. 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,” he concluded.
