The Southwest Unity Forum has condemned what it describes as an orchestrated political campaign aimed at discrediting the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji. The group warned that the growing calls for his removal are baseless, politically motivated, and capable of destabilizing Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Hon. Matthew Oyedokun, PhD, the Forum argued that the allegations circulating against the FIRS Chairman are fabricated and designed to derail the progress being recorded under his leadership. It described the development as a calculated attempt by entrenched interests to frustrate ongoing reforms that are blocking leakages and expanding the country’s non-oil revenue base.
“The recent media noise is nothing more than a coordinated smear campaign. These claims lack substance, lack evidence, and are being pushed by individuals whose personal interests are threatened by the new order,” the Forum stated. It criticized what it termed the hypocrisy of actors who previously benefited from systemic inefficiencies but now parade themselves as advocates of accountability.
According to the Forum, Dr. Adedeji has overseen critical modernization initiatives and enforcement reforms within FIRS, steps it said have already begun strengthening revenue administration and improving fiscal stability. It argued that the intensity of opposition to the Chairman’s efforts shows the extent to which entrenched networks fear losing control over long-abused revenue channels.
“The desperation to remove Dr. Adedeji at a time when the reforms are gaining traction is no coincidence. It is an act of sabotage aimed at reversing Nigeria’s progress so a few individuals can continue exploiting a broken system,” the statement added.
The group noted that similar accusations previously circulated by some civil society organizations were later withdrawn, with public apologies issued after the claims were found to be baseless. It said the current wave of agitation mirrors the same pattern of manufacturing scandal, spreading misinformation, and attempting to weaken effective leadership.
Youth groups and civic organizations have also dismissed the allegations, characterizing the campaign as political blackmail led by “faceless opportunists threatened by competent leadership.”
The Forum cautioned that sustained propaganda or politically motivated attacks on national institutions such as FIRS could undermine investor confidence and erode trust in the government’s economic agenda. Attempting to remove the FIRS Chairman without verified evidence, it stressed, would send a dangerous signal that the country punishes performance instead of rewarding it.
“National development is not driven by replacing reformers with puppets. Nigeria needs technocrats who deliver results, not political actors who weaponize noise-making and blackmail,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its confidence in Dr. Adedeji, the Southwest Unity Forum described him as a courageous reformer committed to national development rather than vested interests or political godfathers.
“We stand firm against attempts to derail our institutions or stall national progress. Nigeria deserves leaders who work for the country, not for cabals,” the statement concluded.
