Anxiety At FIRS As Fowler’s Tenure Expires Today

The four year tenure of Babatunde Fowler, chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service,(FIRS) expires today.  Palpable tension and anxiety have gripped the revenue agency as staff were seen n Abuja speaking in hush tones over the fate of Fowler. Similar circumstances were noticed at the Lagos office of the agency on Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja as there was unusual calmness.

Although the federal government seems to have maintained its usual silence on matters like this, it was gathered that issues has generated slot of tension, particularly st the presidency between those against his reappointment and those against.

But at the head office of the agency, in Abuja, the silence there was likened to ‘that of the ‘graveyard ‘ accorfing to a dtaff who pleaded gor anonymity.

As at 11am, Fowler was said to have left the office fueling  speculations that he may have decided to vlose early to avoid barrage of inquiries by Journalists as well as staff who may decide to embark on solidarity visit.

Fowler was appointed in an acting capacity by President Mohammadu Buhari in August 20, 2015  and confirmed as substantive head of FIRS on December 9, by the Senate.

In accordance with the enabling law of the agency, his first four-year tenure should come to and on Monday, being the anniversary of his confirmation by the red chamber.

The Act establishing the agency stated that “the executive chairman shall be appointed by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

“The chairman and other members of the board, other than ex-officio members, shall each hold office for a term of four years, renewable once only.”

There were speculations last month that President muhammadu Buhari may not reappoint Fowler for a second term of four years due to some power play in the presidency as well as scheming to wittle down powers of .some elected politicians in biew of 2023 elections.

But dome powers were said not to be comfortable with the performance of the agency in recent times, though Fowler had given reasons for the dwindling revenue of the agency.

For instance, the FIRS boss was queried by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, only a few months ago over alleged poor revenue performance.

The query was seen by insiders as part of moves to ease him out of the office at the expiration  of his tenure by those who do not want him to be reappointed.

However, other sources said President Buhari’s concerns for dwindling revenue and need to shore up the revenue base and continuity may work to the favour of Fowler and may be reappointed.