Fowler Lobbied for Reappointment, Became the First of Those Whose Tenure Expired to Be dropped

By Uche Mbah

Buhari’s non re appointment of Babtunde Fowler as the Chief taxman of the Federation came as no surprise to many discerning Nigerians, even though he was alleged to have lobbied to be retained.

Fowler was relieved of his duties at the expiration of his tenure Monday, which President Buhari could have renewed but did not in his wisdom. He was replaced by Mohammed Nami, a Tax Consultant. The presidential approval for his removal came on the dot of his tenure expiration, making Nigerians wonder at the speed of removal. But this magazine learnt that he lobbied to be retained and was turned down.

If a leaked memo he allegedly sent to the Presidency is to go by, he represented himself for re appointment but was apparently turned down.

With this, he became one of the few whose tenure has expired and was not renewed.

President Buhari appears not to be disposed towards relieving the duties of his people whose tenure expires. He even extends some peoples tenure, like he did to  Abdulkarim Dauda, his Personal Chief Security Officer and nephew, who he unilaterally extended his tenure. Dauda was triple promoted to qualify for the position in the first place, and had his tenure extended after his statutory mandatory retirement age has been reached.

Below is a cursory look at those that their tenure has expired and who are still occupying their positions.

The Chief of army staff Tukur Buratai  is still in office even though his tenure is said to have expired. Most of th e service chiefs were expected to go after the first tenure but have been acting in their capacity without their being submitted to the senate for reappointment..

Also, the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu, who had been in acting capacity since his appointment, has now ended his tenure. He is still acting, and this, according to analysts, has been partly responsible for his not yet being represented to the Senate for confirmation. Besides, it is said that many serving Governors may not be comfortable with his reappointment and are fighting against it.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority Hadiza Bala Usman also may have had her tenure extended, together with the Comptrollers General Of customs and immigration.

These have fueled speculations on why the Taxman was axed and replaced by Nami.

Some claim the aim is to gradually helm in the Presidential ambition of Fowler’s alleged godfather, Bola Tinubu. With the appointment of Nami, all monetary and financial institutions are now manned by officers from the Nigerian Northern divide.