The immediate past chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service
(FIRS), Tunde Fowler, said he did nothing wrong in handing over the
management of the tax revenue agency to the Coordinating Director,
Domestic Taxes Group, Abiodun Aina.
Fowler spoke in response to a Premium Times enquiry yesterday,
following threats by some workers of the tax agency.
He said he followed due process in taking the decision after he was
relieved of his position on Monday.
โAll I will say is that the due process was followed in appointing him
(Aina) as a Coordinating Director,โ the former FIRS boss said in a
text message in response of the online medium’s enquiries.
Following Monday’s appointment of Muhammad Nami as the new Executive
Chairman of FIRS, the presidency directed the mantle of leadership to
be handed over to the โmost senior Director in the serviceโ until Nami
is confirmed by the Senate.
In compliance of the presidential directive, Fowler, Monday evening
handed over to Aina after thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for the
privilege he gave him to serve in that capacity.
However, barely 24 hours after the handing over ceremony, a group
which goes by the name, Joint Union Council, FIRS Unit, on Tuesday
accused Aina of not possessing the basic qualification to occupy the
office.
The group also accused Fowler of violating the presidential directive
to hand over power to the most senior director of FIRS pending the
confirmation of the new chairman’s appointment by the National
Assembly and assumption of office.
In a petition signed by the chairman of the JUC, Okere Samson; the
vice-chairman, Idris Abdulrahaman; Secretary, Lekwot Thomas, and 14
other members, the group highlighted why Aina’s appointment should not
stand.
The group faulted Aina’s selection on the grounds that it was not in
accordance with the presidential directive that the seniority list in
the FIRS hierarchy should be followed.
Also, the group gave a 72 hours ultimatum that if by the close of work
on Friday, December 13, 2019, no action is taken to meet their demand
by reversing Aina’s selection, they will no longer guarantee further
industrial harmony in the system.
When Premium Times contacted Fowler, for his reaction to the
allegation, yesterday, he responded with a short text message.
โGood morning I have left the system. But all I will say is that the
due process was followed in appointing him (Aina) as a Coordinating
Director. To check his qualifications, please google it. It’s in the
public domain. Thank you and God bless,โ Fowler wrote in the text
message.
Also, the spokesperson of the FIRS, Wahab Gbadamosi, asked for some
time to make contacts with the relevant parties for details on the
issue before sending his response.
