It has been revealed that the former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler wrote to the secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha seeking renewal of his four-year tenure hours before he was removed and a successor named.
In a leaked letter dated December 9, 2019, Fowler urging Mustapha to reappointment for a second term in line with the provisions of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007.
The letter, entitled: ‘Re: Notification of expiration of tenure as executive chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service’, read: “I write to notify the secretary to the government of the federation that my first tenure as the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) ends today 9th December, 2019.
“In view of the above, I wish to present myself for a second term. This is consistent with the provisions of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007 and would grant me the opportunity to consolidate and build on the achievements we have recorded in the past 4 years. Please find attached the highlight of my achievements during my first tenure in office,” Fowler wrote to the SGF.
“I would like to put on record my gratitude to Mr. President for the opportunity to serve the Nation. I am also thankful for your support in the course of the discharge of my duties”.
Hours after the office of the secretary to the government of the federation acknowledged receipt of the letter, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Nami to replace Fowler.
That same day (yesterday), the erstwhile FIRS boss was made to hand over to the most senior management staff and coordinating director, domestic taxes group, Mr. Abiodun Aina.
Meanwhile, the president today wrote to the senate seeking approval for Nami’s nomination as the executive chairman of FIRS.
He also sought the approval of the senate for the appointment of Mr. Edward Adamu as the chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
The requests were contained in two separate letters addressed to the senate president, Mr. Ahmad Lawan and read at the plenary.
