The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has rejected the call by some groups asking the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, to step aside.
The group in a statement by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, said the call is baseless, malicious and politically-sponsored.
It said: “We state without ambiguity that this shadowy coalition does not represent the Arewa community, Nigerian youths, or any credible constituency in our nation.
“Their claims are fraudulent, deceptive and clearly orchestrated by economic saboteurs violently opposed to the ongoing reforms championed by the FIRS under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership.
“These individuals and their sponsors are threatened by the transparency, efficiency and integrity that the FIRS has brought into Nigeria’s tax administration.
“Their agenda is to derail the important strides being recorded in the economic reform efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji’s reforms at the FIRS remain one of the most outstanding achievements of the present government.
“His leadership has been professional, disciplined, innovative and globally respected. Under his stewardship, Nigeria’s tax system has experienced long-overdue modernization, improved revenue integrity, and enhanced public confidence.
“It is a fact that genuine Nigerians overwhelmingly support the reforms introduced by Dr. Adedeji. His work is respected, valued and critical to the successful repositioning of Nigeria’s economy.
“The Campaign for Democracy urges Nigerians to completely ignore this reckless campaign of calumny and stand firmly with Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, whose remarkable contributions continue to move the country toward financial stability and sustainable growth.
“We are not unaware that those who profit from corruption and systemic decay are relentlessly working to sabotage Nigeria’s economic transformation. They fear any initiative that threatens their illicit influence.
“We will continue to expose, confront and challenge every such attack on positive reforms across all sectors of our nation.
Nonetheless, the CD reaffirms its unwavering “commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.
“We will continue to monitor the activities of all public office holders, including Dr. Adedeji, to ensure that the Nigerian people remain the ultimate beneficiaries of government policies and national resources.”
