Immediate past Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Babatunde Fowler, begged to be offered a second term, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine can confirm.
Unfortunately, despite conveying that to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, en route to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, he was still turned down.
The Presidency, it would be recalled, on Monday, December 9, 2019 announced Muhammad M. Nami as Fowler’s replacement. The announcement of Nami’s nomination was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu.
Interestingly, information at our disposal has it that Fowler wrote to Mustapha, asking for a renewal of his tenure.
The letter, dated December 9, 2019, was titled: “Re: Notification of Expiration of Tenure as Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service.”
Hitting the nail on the head, Fowler had said: “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) end today 9th of 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 4 years.
“Please find attached the highlights 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.”
Fowler, said to have been suggested to President Muhammadu Buhari by the APC National Leader and former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had done well as the Lagos Inland Revenue Service boss. He also left indelible marks at FIRS where he spent four years.