FIRS lauds Adedeji for sterling leadership, insists Arewa youths’ allegations ‘ambiguous, spurious and baseless’

*Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service disagrees with Arewa Consultative Youth Movement on its ‘ambiguous, spurious and veiled’ allegations against Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman FIRS, describing the group’s calls for his suspension as ‘economic sabotage’ in view of his sterling performance in office

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has decried the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement’s (ACYM) recent calls for the suspension of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the foremost tax authority for investigation over “ambiguous and spurious” allegations.

Reacting to the allegations, Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of FIRS on Broadcast Media, said the call was not only baseless but also amounted to an attack on the Nigerian economy.

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Atoyebi, who said this in a statement titled: “Arewa Consultative Movement: The Hand of Esau and the Voice of Jacob”, noted this is in view of Dr. Adedeji’s sterling track record of far-reaching reforms and revenue performance in the Nigerian economy.

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The media aide to the Executive Chairman also accused the Arewa Consultative Youth Forum of working for unnamed interests bent on undermining the Service’s success, and discrediting its leadership.

The statement further noted: “Ordinarily, the campaign by the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement on an ambiguous, spurious and veiled allegation for which they are asking the FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, to step aside should be ignored.

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“It can at best be described as economic sabotage, given the sterling performance of the head of the Revenue Service of the country.”

Arabinrin Atoyebi equally argued the group failed to outline any specific offence or misconduct to justify its demand for Adedeji’s suspension from office.

The FIRS described the Arewa Consultative Youth Forum’s action as “one hiding behind a finger,” and a “sponsored campaign of calumny against a resourceful, cerebrally adroit man who is navigating Nigeria out of financial doldrums.”

FIRS reforms yielding fruits in Nigerian economy

The Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of FIRS on Broadcast Media as well wondered why the group chose to attack what she described as one of the most vibrant and effective sectors of government – the revenue service.

The FIRS, she stated, has been instrumental in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on borrowing and building a fairer tax system in the economy.

The statement noted: “This is the man who has instituted reforms in the tax system, plugged leakages, and awakened the country to how to generate funds to seamlessly run the economy.

“An attack on Adedeji is an attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because the economic programme of this administration is receiving verve from the Revenue Service.”

Atoyebi also argued that Dr. Adedeji has consistently surpassed revenue targets and introduced reforms that have improved staff welfare, simplified tax compliance, and boosted investor confidence in the country’s economy.

Besides, Atoyebi observed that under Adedeji’s leadership at FIRS, Nigeria’s fiscal position has improved significantly, with increased revenue generation and a reduction in pressure on external reserves.

She declared: “Nigeria is generating so much that the pressure on our external reserve has eased, leading to an increase to an all-time high of $45 billion, thereby building global confidence in doing business with Nigeria.”

‘Reforms should attract commendation, not vilification’

Emphasising the need to decorate facts from sentiments, the statement noted: “He started he reformation that has changed the Inland Revenue Service and crafted new tax laws for the country – actions that should attract commendation, not vilification.”

The Service particularly alleged that the Arewa youths’ campaign is being funded by individuals or groups eyeing Adedeji’s position.

It rather called on security agencies to investigate real faces behind it.

Atoyebi quipped: “The right question to ask is who is behind the Arewa Youth Movement, and the funding of this campaign of calumny?

“Our security agencies should, as a matter of urgency, investigate those behind it, as they qualify as enemies of state.”

The Service said: “Patriotic Nigerians know who is working in government and those who are not.

“The movement (Arewa Youths) goofed and should retrace their steps unless they are shamelessly queuing behind those eternally committed to stagnating the country.

“Dr. Adedeji has been superlative in performance and needs no distraction so he can concentrate and finish his good works.”

She, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard the group’s statement and continue to support the FIRS Chairman Dr. Adedeji  in his efforts to strengthen the nation’s fiscal stability.

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