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FIRS BOSS, BABATUNDE FOWLER EYES CBN GOVERNOR SEAT

Published

6 years ago

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In the appointment of public servants especially as it concerns the management of public funds, proper vetting and background checks to ensure a track record of accountability and transparency cannot be overemphasized. However, there are certain people who are appointed by reason of a track record of accountability and transparency from previous offices held but turns out to become the direct opposite of who they used to be.

A clear example of this is the head of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Babatunde Williams Fowler, who prior to his appointment was probably found worthy to be part of the anti-corruption train being piloted by President Muhammadu Buhari having displayed equity while he was then the Permanent Secretary/ Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue amongst other offices held. However, after his appointment about three years ago, he has constantly been in the news for the wrong reasons especially on corruption allegations and illegal recruitment exercises.

Sources close to the FIRS boss disclosed to Us that Fowler has transformed from being a tax collector to an emperor due to the absence of a board to regulate his operations as it is alleged that he sternly frowns at those who criticize his style of leadership and chokes those who point out his mistakes placing them in what is popularly known in the service as “IDP”. It was further alleged that as a result of this, the FIRS boss has within three years of his appointment recruited over 340 personnel without following due process and in a bid to find favor with political elites, he has turned a blind eye to their tax evasion practices and has formed an alliance with them. One of our sources disclosed that he’s on the verge of secretly recruiting relations of cronies again as he has called for names from these politicians where over 800 personnel will be recruited without conducting any test or interview as part of his campaign of becoming the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor in the nearest future. We gathered that Fowler has continuously engaged the services of consultants and professionals outside the service to carry out tasks that could easily be handled by its personnel who are highly experienced and equipped to handle such tasks probably to create avenues to embezzle funds. “The service which has a high concentration of highly experienced chartered accountants and tax professionals still has an alarming record of tax evasion and corrupt practices as a result of ineffectiveness and the negligence of the FIRS boss”, narrated a source. He has an alleged Achilles Heels, a brewing story for other days to come. Babatunde Fowler who was appointed about three years ago following what many would describe as his good works when he was the pioneer Permanent Secretary/ Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue under the leadership of the former Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola appears to have become puffed up with his new office and has decided to drag his good name in the mud of corruption and financial misappropriation.

 

 

Source: Secretsreporter

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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6 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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18 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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20 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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