FIRS Under Zaach Adedeji Enmeshes In Alleged Massive Corruption, Money Laundering, and Gross Abuse of Office, Anti Corruption Group Protest
An Anti-Corruption Group, the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) has exposed an alleged massive corruption, gross abuse of public office by owning/ running private companies while in service and failure to declare assets, contrary to part 1 of the fifth schedule to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) by top officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service under the leadership of Mr. Zaach Adedeji.
The group during a protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, said its coalition which comprises: Integrity and Economic Probity For Transparency Initiative (INTERCEPT), Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), Association of Media Practitioners in Oil and Gas Producing Areas (AMEPROGAS), and Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development has through series of investigations have uncovered myriads of documents detailing companies owned, managed and undeclared by civil servants across all federal government parastatals and most particularly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
While addressing journalist, Comrade Odey Otunu, stated that it is even more concerning, that these public officials with limited integrity to say the least, are to coordinate the impending tax regime which is supposed for next year.
“It is a matter of grave concern, backed by incontrovertible evidence that senior officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), not excluding the Chairman, that while in full-time employment, have been and remain active shareholders, directors, and persons of significant control in private companies incorporated under the laws of Nigeria,”
According Otunu, “These acts constitute not only a reckless abuse of office but also a brazen violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and the extant Public Service Rules.
“For clarity and to dispel any doubt, there is irrefutable evidence, legally available to the public, that;
•Mr Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) although resigned as Director, remains an active shareholder with (500,000 Share capital) RTR Consulting Limited (RC No. 1287023); Incorporated September 11, 2015.
Meanwhile, although the date of resignation as director is not clearly stated, and whereas the company stands inactive in status, our investigation has revealed that the company is still very active with transactions.
Odey said; “It is hence, right to infer that the rot in the FIRS is occasioned by the bad example set by the head of this seeming impeccable organisation.
•Mrs. Amina Kurawa Ado, Coordinating Director of the Large Taxpayers Group, is a major shareholder and controller of Soronza Limited (RC No. 1557737; incorporated 31st January 2019).
•Mr. Shettima Tamadi, Coordinating Director, Special Duties, is the controlling mind and shareholder of Tri Umbrella Limited (RC No. 1174777; incorporated 3rd March 2014) and Tamvest Global Investment Limited (RC No. 867606; incorporated 4th February 2010).
•Mr. Abeghe Tyofa David, Acting Director, Facility Management Department, maintains controlling interests in Detab Engineering Limited (RC No. 662151; incorporated 2*l August, 2006), B-T PHRONES/S Engineering Limited (RC No. 858692; incorporated 11′ December, 2009), and C & O Engineering Lid (RC No. 912/48; incorporated 20″ September, 2010).
•Mr. Lawrence Ejiga, Deputy Director, Procurement, maintains controlling interests in G & L FIRS Under Zaach Adedeji Enmeshes In Alleged Massive Corruption, Money Laundering, and Gross Abuse of Office, Anti Corruption Group ProtestRehoboth Investment Limited (RC No. 805500; incorporated 5th March 2009) and Amaifeke Microfinance Bank (RC No. 185095; incorporated 13th January 1992).
According to the group, “While occupying sensitive positions in the nation’s foremost revenuegenerating agency, these officers have deliberately placed themselves in situations where their personal interests are in flagrant conflict with their public duties.
The Constitution and other binding laws are explicit: Fifth Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 2(6), 1999 Constitution (as amended):
•”Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, a public officer shall not- (b) except where he is not employed on full time basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade but nothing in this subparagraph shall prevent a public officer from engaging in farming.”
Paragraph 13, same Schedule: “A public officer who does any act prohibited by this Code through a nominee, trustee, or other agent shall be deemed ipso facto to have committed a breach of this Code.”
Section 5, Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Cap C1S LFN 2004): prohibits public officers from maintaining or operating private businesses.
Rule 030424, Public Service Rules (2009, Revised): prohibits public servants from engaging in private business while in public Service.
These provisions have received the authoritative imprimatur of the superior courts.
In FRN v. Nwankwo (2018) LPELR-44504(CA), the Court of Appeal reiterated that the Code of Conduct binds all public officers without exception.
In FRN v. Dariye (2015) 10 NWLR (Pt. 1467) 325, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that public office is a sacred trust, and its abuse warrants swift accountability.
The implication of the foregoing is clear: the named officers are in continuous breach of the law, and by extension, have betrayed the public trust reposed in them.
We have written to them and written reminders to get official responses to no avail.
This conduct is not only unlawful but morally indefensible, tarnishing the image of FIRS and eroding the confidence of taxpayers in the integrity of Nigeria’s revenue system.
The group stated that it has today submitted their petitions to the National Assembly and they will be proceeding to other relevant anti-graft agencies to draw attention to the high-level corruption.
“We urge the National Assembly to do their jobs properly as we shall continue to monitor the progress of the processes and also organize series of peaceful marches and advocacy rallies to the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC, and other relevant institutions,” it said
