The Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Arabinrin Atoyebi, has dismissed demands by the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement for FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji to step aside, describing the claims as “ambiguous, spurious and veiled.”

Atoyebi argued that the youth group failed to cite any specific offense committed by Adedeji, dismissing allegations regarding his “unstated lifestyle” as baseless. She suggested that the campaign is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine one of Nigeria’s most productive economic institutions.

“The group’s action is akin to one hiding behind a finger. It appears to be an effort to malign a resourceful and cerebrally adroit leader at a time he is contributing to stabilizing the nation’s finances,” Atoyebi said.

She highlighted FIRS’ achievements under Adedeji, noting major tax reforms, blocked revenue leakages, and improved staff welfare, all of which have strengthened the country’s revenue base and supported President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda. According to Atoyebi, these efforts have helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on borrowing and contributed to a rise in external reserves to an all-time high of $45 billion, boosting global confidence in the economy.

“Patriotic Nigerians are aware of those working diligently for the country’s progress. The Arewa Youth Movement should retrace its steps rather than align with forces bent on stagnating national development,” she said.

Atoyebi also stressed that Adedeji’s two years of superlative performance merit support rather than distraction, insisting that anyone interested in succeeding him should wait until the completion of his tenure instead of sponsoring “empty statements” that could destabilize the system.