FG's 'fiscal recklessness' is betrayal of democracy

The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labor Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the federal government of implementing four national budgets simultaneously, describing it as a “betrayal of democracy.”

Obi, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that the federal government is operating four national budgets, which go against fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

He claimed that this action would lead to a competition for limited resources between frivolous items in approved budgets and essential projects, exacerbating the suffering of Nigerians.

Obi said neither the National Assembly nor the executive have any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour and called upon all the leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.

The former governor has been well known for consistently criticising the government for being out of touch with reality and lacking the competence to manage the nation’s finances effectively.

He added that “this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness” by the elected government betrayed one of the cardinal pillars of democracy, saying that leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organised way.

Obi, however, urged an immediate reversal of this situation, demanding a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting that prioritises the needs of Nigerians over selfish interests.

“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 prioritise 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 stated.

He wrote, “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. 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 organised 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 prioritise 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.”