Babatunde Fowler, the immediate past executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service may have been left shocked with the announcement of his replacement by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
Newsheadline247 understands that Fowler, hours to his replacement, wrote to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, asking to be allowed to continue his work at the helm of the FIRS to “consolidate and build on the achievements” which he highlighted in an attachment to his letter.
Fowler’s letter, as published by Premium Times, was dated December 9, the expiration date of his tenure.
But Fowler’s request for extension was, however, ignored as President Buhari hours later announced the appointment of Muhammad Nami as the new chief executive of the FIRS, hence, Fowler’s bid to retain the position was crushed.
Nami’s appointment, however, is subject to the approval of the Senate.
After his removal, on Monday, Fowler accepted his fate and thanked the president. “There is nothing automatic about having a second term,” the former tax chief told his former colleagues, according to a statement by Wahab Gbadamosi, the FIRS spokesperson.
The thought of a non-automatic second term did not, however, deter Fowler from requesting one.
In his letter seeking the renewal of his appointment, Fowler highlighted that his tenure was coming to an end but he wanted an extension.
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The Request Letter reads
I write to notify the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that my first tenure as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Service (FIRS) ends today 9th December 2019.
In view of the above, I wish to present myself for reappointment 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 four years.
Please find attachment 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.
Please accept as always, the assurance of my highest regards.
Tunde Fowler
Executive Chairman
Federal Inland Revenue Service
It is not clear why Fowler waited till his last day in office to write the letter. The spokesperson for the FIRS simply said “that was his remit” when asked why Fowler waited till his last day in office to write the request.
However, months before Fowler’s request for reappointment, his fate appeared to have been sealed following an exchange of letters he had with the powerful Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari.
