"Peter Obi: Nigeria Transitions from Inflated Budgets to Forged Legislation"

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the recent general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has accused the Federal Government of overseeing what he refers to as the fabrication of laws, cautioning that this situation poses a serious threat to constitutional governance and public trust.

In a statement titled “Migrating from Padded Budgets to Forged Laws,” shared on his X handle on Saturday, Obi claimed that there are documented inconsistencies between the laws passed by the National Assembly and those ultimately published and enforced by the executive branch.

He indicated that this matter extends beyond mere administrative mistakes, characterizing it as a significant constitutional violation that reflects profound institutional decay.

According to Obi, Nigeria has transitioned from an era of inflated budgets to one in which laws are reportedly altered, impacting taxpayers’ rights and their access to justice.

The former Anambra State governor also criticized the Presidency for its lack of response regarding this issue, emphasizing that the allegations involve potential forgery, abuse of process, and institutional sabotage.

Obi stated: “Our national disgrace continues to unfold, evident in the decisions made by our leaders, even at the highest levels of government. This disgrace is underscored by a deeply concerning—and frankly unacceptable—issue: the documented inconsistencies between what the legislature approved and what was ultimately published as law by the executive. This is not simply an administrative oversight; it is a serious issue that strikes at the heart of constitutional governance and highlights the extent of our institutional decline.

“We have shifted from a Nigeria where budgets are inflated to one where laws are fabricated—changes that affect taxpayers’ rights and, most crucially, access to justice.

“Even more alarming is the introduction of new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never sanctioned. These include an outrageous requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be considered in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.

“Perhaps most troubling is the silence of the Presidency regarding allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. Who is responsible for these alterations?

“All of this must be disclosed. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was officially recorded. We cannot continue to demand more taxes from citizens while trust in governance deteriorates.

“We require leadership that adheres to due process, values transparency and accountability, and honors the rule of law. No nation can prosper where laws are fabricated and silence takes the place of leadership.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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