REVEALED: Fowler lobbied for a second term at FIRS

 

BY OUR EDITOR

Babatunde Fowler, immediate past Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), wanted a second term in office and he did ask for it.

Mr. Fowler wrote the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha to intimate him of the expiration of his tenure Monday, December 9, 2019 and subsequently requested the renewal of his four-year appointment, hours before President Muhammadu Buhari named Mr. Muhammad Nami as the new chairman of the FIRS.

“There is nothing automatic about having a second Term.  Some of you might say it’s a big surprise.  It’s a privilege to serve one’s country, and if you have the privilege of serving your country for one term and you believe you have done your best, you have to thank God for that,” Fowler told staff members at FIRS while handing over to the acting executive chairman Mr Abiodun Aina, who is also the Coordinating Director Domestic Taxes Group.

READ:  Buhari shuns Fowler, appoints new FIRS chairman

However, in a leaked letter to Mustapha, dated December 9, 2019, Fowler had written to present himself for reappointment for a second term in line with the provisions of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007.

The letter, which has now gone viral was titled: “Re: Notification of Expiration of Tenure as Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service.”

Fowler wrote: “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.

“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 (OSGF) acknowledged receipt of the letter, the Presidency announced the appointment of his successor, Nami, whose credentials included fellowship of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria and Associate Member of Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.

The presidential announcement also instructed Fowler to hand over to the most senior of the executive directors who will serve in acting capacity, pending the confirmation of the new Executive Chairman by the Senate. He handed over same day.

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