The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) was recently accused of making remarks about the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The Concerned Northern Elders have distanced themselves from these remarks, denouncing the viewpoint as not reflecting the goals and interests of the North.
The group said it felt obligated to address the country in the interest of truth and accountability in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Dr. Nasir Manguno. It warned that staying silent in the face of what it described as intentional misrepresentation would amount to endorsement.
The elders contended that the NEF’s purported opposition to the FIRS, its Executive Chairman, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform initiatives does not align with the common ideals or aspirations of Northern stakeholders.
They claimed that the NEF had lost its moral stature and had strayed from its original purpose as a council of wisdom to become a platform for political dissatisfaction and opposing narratives that are motivated by outside forces. The group contends that genuine elder statesmanship must be based on integrity, vision, and the common good rather than entitlement-driven privileges or adherence to antiquated structures.
The statement praised the FIRS Executive Chairman’s leadership, pointing out that the agency has continuously surpassed revenue targets, increased non-oil revenue production, and used data-driven, technology-based strategies to fix long-standing revenue leaks. It further stated that the days of influence guaranteeing exemption from tax duties have come to an end due to a renewed commitment to equity and accountability.
According to the Concerned Northern Elders, these improvements are quantifiable and show Nigeria’s potential when professionalism replaces inertia. They believe that people who are uncomfortable with efficiency and transparency frequently oppose such reforms.
Regarding President Tinubu’s wider economic plan, the group stated that the administration took over an economy that was weakened by reliance on fuel subsidies, opacity, and uneven compliance. It commended the President for adopting challenging but vital changes, characterizing them as crucial measures for a long-term economic recovery.
Since no country advances by shielding elites from civic duty or pushing the burden of government onto the poor, the elders emphasized that revenue reform should not be seen as punishing but rather as a fundamental component of national growth.
Additionally, they affirmed their support for the Memorandum of Understanding implemented by the FIRS leadership in order to strengthen interagency collaboration, integrate data platforms, and minimize duplication. They contended that frameworks that foster institutional strength and transparency ultimately benefit both the North and the nation at large.
The organization addressed what they called “acts of political sabotage,” noting that fresh attacks on the FIRS seem to correspond with political realignments by opposition groups looking to take advantage of emotion in the region. They issued a warning that the North would not be mobilized for partisan purposes.
The statement claims that rather than rehashed narratives and inherited explanations for poor performance, the region’s true goals continue to be the creation of jobs, infrastructural development, educational advancement, and accountability. According to the elders, bold leadership, equitable taxation, and strong institutions are necessary to accomplish these aims.
In closing, the organization reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, the FIRS Executive Chairman, and public officials that prioritize the interests of the country over the comforts of the privileged, emphasizing that history ultimately favors reformers rather than obstructionists.
The North is in favor of reform. The statement said, “It rejects failure and will not be pulled backward by voices financed to fear progress.”
