The Arewa Consultative Forum Youth Movement (ACFYM) has declared that Nigeria needs transparent public institutions and leaders whose conduct reinforces, rather than erodes, citizens’ trust.
ACFYM President, Kabiru Yusuf, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday while reacting to intensifying public demands for a forensic probe into the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Yusuf said the youth wing of the northern socio-political group firmly aligns itself with the cause of accountability and the protection of national interest.
He expressed concern over allegations raised against the FIRS Chairman, Mr Zacch Adedeji, bordering on lifestyle-related issues and the management of taxpayers’ funds under his watch.
Although the allegations remain unproven, Yusuf said their gravity and the potential damage to public confidence necessitate an immediate, comprehensive forensic investigation by relevant anti-corruption and oversight bodies.
“As responsible stakeholders committed to transparency, accountability and good governance, we hereby call on Mr Adedeji to temporarily step aside to allow for an unhindered and credible investigation,” he said.
He stressed that the call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt but as a safeguard to protect the integrity of the office and restore public confidence in the nation’s revenue administration.
Yusuf warned that the group may be compelled to pass a formal vote of no confidence if authorities fail to act or if the concerns raised are not addressed promptly.
He reiterated that Nigeria requires stronger institutions and leaders whose actions build trust, describing ACFYM’s stance as one guided by national interest and the defence of accountability.