Don’t confirm Fowler, APC leader begs Senate

                                           Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr. Babatunde Fowler

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Timi Frank, has urged the Senate not to confirm the appointment of the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Babatunde Fowler.

Frank, who is a staunch loyalist of Senate President Bukola Saraki, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

Fowler, who is believed to be a godson of the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in August while the Senate was on recess.

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However, the APC deputy spokesman said Fowler broke the law by assuming office without Senate approval

He said the development was a serious offence that should not be condoned by any responsible government.

While absolving Buhari of blame, Frank said Fowler should have followed due process established in the FIRS Act before assuming office.

He said, “This portrays him (Fowler) as either ignorant of the law, or where that is not the case, acting with impunity.”

The statement added, “Let us look at the FIRS Act before one is accused of crying wolf where none exists. Section 3(2a) of the FIRS Establishment Act, 2007, states that: “the executive chairman of the service is to be appointed by the President and subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

“Where does Fowler derive his authority with which he now presides over the board of the FIRS? He has since assumed office and is carrying out the duties of the office. Do we let him go in view of the present financial quagmire in the country?”

Frank, therefore, urged the Senate not to confirm Fowler but sack him immediately as this would serve as a deterrent to others who may want to disrespect the Senate in future.

He added, “The Senate would only be acting as a rubber stamp should it clear Fowler in the face of this gross violation of the constitution. The Senate would also be setting a bad precedent should it decide to overlook Fowler’s infractions and clear him still.

“It is wrong for an appointee, who is supposed to be confirmed by the Senate before appointment, to assume office and then come for confirmation. In such a situation, the man is already enjoying the perks of office and the confirmation is being made to look like a fait accompli.

“What we are seeing concerning this appointment amounts to an offence and gross breach of the constitution. I am aware that senators are peeved by this conduct and there is the thinking that some of those who have assumed office might have disqualified themselves.”

Frank threatened to institute a legal action against Fowler even if he scales through the Senate screening, adding that it would be in the interest of justice.

Source: Punchng