Revenue Service, FIRS, Tunde Fowler, has reacted to the
nomination of Muhammad M. Nami, as the new chairman of the
agency.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday nominated Nami as
Fowler’s replacement alongside other board members.
Fowler, while reacting, thanked President Buhari for the
opportunity to serve Nigeria even as he handed over to the
Coordinating Director Domestic Taxes Group, Abiodun Aina, who
promised to steady the ship of the FIRS.
The FIRS boss noted that change is constant but sometimes
comes with resistance.
Speaking on not been nominated for second term, Fowler urged
the board members and staff not to be surprised, adding ‘that
second term is not automatic.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Boardroom of the
FIRS, Fowler said: “Let me thank all of you who are here for what
we have been able to do for our country. From the driver to the
senior staff, everybody played a role. But with the change,
sometimes there is resistance.
“People will not understand the vision, will not understand the
reason for the change. But hope in leaving FIRS, I’ve left behind
something, something, positive, that each and every one of you
can build on.
“We have got a mandate. That mandate is not just to collect
revenue. It’s a mandate to collect the maximum amount of
revenue for all concerned for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“There is nothing automatic about having a second term. Some of
you might say it’s a big surprise. It 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.
“For those of you we are leaving behind, I do not want to get too
scriptural. But I believe that anything that you do, that helps your
fellow human being, your neighbour is a blessing. And I believe
that this job that we have been given is a job that will continue to
help all Nigerians and all people residing in Nigeria.
“We have the opportunity to show the world that Nigeria has a lot
to offer. It was during this period that we had a top Director,
representing Nigeria and the world at the OECD. It was within this
period that Nigeria, for the first time chaired ATAF (African Tax
Administration Forum), for two years running. It was within this
period that Nigeria through your support was appointed as the
1st Vice-Chairman of the United Nations Committee of Tax
Experts. So we have a lot going for us.
“I like you to keep the flag flying, but I hope that sometime when I
visit, my picture will be somewhere on the wall.
“One thing, for people who have known me for a while, is that
some of them refer to me as a shark. I like to keep people on their
toes. Some of you might have thought that I don’t appreciate
your contribution. But some of you might have been able to do
things better. And part of my role is to bring out that potentials in
you. And I hope I have been able to do that. I am content.
“I like to thank the President for giving me this opportunity of
service. It’s a privilege of service to your country. But at the
same time, I believe I leave behind a good crop of directors that
can move this organisation forward.
“I will say that for the incoming Chairman, for the incoming Board
of Directors, give them the support. The vision, I believe, is the
same vision that we have. But how to go about it may differ.
Open yourselves up to change.
“ At this point, it gives me the extreme privilege, to hand over the
running of this organisation until the Senate approves the new
Board, to someone who has been here, to someone who
understands the working of the FIRS, to someone who has been
part of the change. And I believe that you will give him the
support, not even the support you have given me. But more
support. SO that when he hands over the organisation to the new
board, they will see that this organisation is one that shares the
same vision, and of course believes in his mandate. With these
few words, I like to say it’s a pleasure working with all of you.
“Some of you might have thought that don’t like you. But I
assure you it was work. But I believe in this room, we have got a
lot of talent regardless of what happens, keep the flag flying.
“On this note, Mr Aina, I have the privilege of handing over FIRS
to you. God bless FIRS. Long live the Republic of Nigeria.”
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