This unprecedented move not only disregards the very principles of governance but sets a dangerous precedent in a country already facing deep-rooted political and economic challenges.
In a shocking disregard for our democratic principles, the lawmakers have rubber-stamped the record-breaking N27.5 trillion 2024 budget for the second reading in less than 48 hours.
There are claims that Tinubu only brought the budget proposal without a sectoral breakdown, while others debunked the claim, saying he brought a flash drive. Regardless of the claims, one thing is that national Budgets do not get passed within such a short window.
This unprecedented move not only disregards the very principles of governance but sets a dangerous precedent in a country already facing deep-rooted political and economic challenges.
Soon, you will hear the National Assembly echo some rhetoric to deflect from taking the blame, but this is not just an oversight; it's a bold act of irresponsibility. How can a budget of such magnitude, which is expected to impact the lives of over 200 million people, be handled with such blatant disregard for detail and scrutiny? The citizens of Nigeria deserve to know how their funds are being allocated. What citizens deserve is to have a voice in how Nigeria is run, not to be witnessing a gross betrayal of trust.
But that’s not all.
In an equally disturbing turn of events, the National Assembly, a place where the laws of the land are supposed to be upheld, was reduced to a political theatre. Instead of the National Anthem, the personalised song of Tinubu was sung as he presented the budget. This is not just a break from tradition; it is a break from the very essence of national unity and respect for state institutions.
Let us just call it what it is – a disgrace!
The leaders who are quick to advocate for citizens to abide by the rules of law are the very ones condoning and participating in breaking it. This is not just a failure of a government; it is a failure of a system that seems to have lost its moral compass.
Historians are saying this is a repeat of the past. Recall the military coup that ended the Second Republic under Shagari, led by General Buhari. One of the justifications for that coup was the rampant corruption and ineffectiveness of the civilian government. Fast forward to today, and it seems we are refusing to learn from history. The same elements of governance failure - disregard for democratic norms, lack of transparency, and a growing disconnect between the leaders and the common people – are plainly visible.
This is about more than just a budget passed without a proper breakdown or a song sung out of place. It is about a deeper, more systemic problem. It is about a country that is on a downward spiral, with the leaders being indifferent to the consequences of their actions.
As a Nigerian, I am tired, and the populace is tired. Tired of promises made and not kept. We are tired of watching our resources mismanaged by those who are supposed to guard them. Tired of seeing hope deemed by those who should be renewing it. But most of all, we are tired of being voiceless spectators in the tragic play that is their government's decision-making process.
Let’s be clear: what happened in the National Assembly is a symptom of a larger disease. A disease characterised by a lack of respect for the very principles that hold Nigeria together. When the lines between state and party are blurred, when national symbols are disregarded, and when budgets are passed without due diligence, it is a clear sign that those in power have lost sight of their purpose.
As we witness these events unfold, it is hard not to feel a sense of anger and disillusionment. The future of Nigeria hangs in the balance, and yet, those entrusted with guiding it seem more interested in their political actualisation than in the welfare of their people.
Nigeria deserves better. But what they are getting is the exact opposite. The current state of affairs in Nigeria is not just disappointing; it is alarming. Military coups have often been justified by the intervening forces as necessary to restore order, correct governance anomalies, or address perceived threats to the country’s stability.
N.A.