The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has strongly condemned what it described as a baseless and politically motivated call for the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, to step aside from office.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the pro-democracy organisation dismissed the demand by an unnamed coalition as fraudulent, deceptive and lacking any legitimate representation of the Arewa community, Nigerian youths, or any credible national constituency.
CD alleged that the campaign against the FIRS chairman was orchestrated by individuals and interests opposed to the ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s tax administration. According to the group, these actors are unsettled by the transparency, efficiency and system-wide discipline introduced under Adedeji’s leadership.
The organisation maintained that the reforms being pursued under the current administration have strengthened revenue integrity, modernised tax processes and improved public confidence in national tax administration. It added that these achievements stand out as some of the most notable economic milestones of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
“The claim that Dr. Adedeji should step aside has no basis in fact or public interest,” the statement read. “It is a reckless attempt by economic saboteurs to derail vital reforms and undermine Nigeria’s path to financial stability.”
CD insisted that the majority of Nigerians support the reform trajectory of the FIRS and consider Adedeji’s contributions essential to Nigeria’s economic repositioning. The group further warned that entrenched interests benefiting from corruption and systemic decay are threatened by ongoing efforts to transform the country’s fiscal framework.
While reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, CD noted that it would continue to scrutinise all public office holders, including the FIRS chairman, to ensure that governance remains aligned with the public good.
“The country must not be dragged backward by desperate interests,” the group stated, urging Nigerians to disregard what it termed a campaign of calumny and to support the continuation of reforms that promote economic growth and national development.
