Running four budgets concurrently is disregard for transparency — Obi
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the alleged running of four national budgets concurrently as a recipe for chaos and frivolity.
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, Obi also labelled it flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, 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.
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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.”
Obi said that 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,” he added.