FIRS Says It Didn't Disagree With FG On Removal of Oil Subsidy

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has denounced newspapers’ reports, alleging that the agency is in disagreement with the Federal Government on the planned removal of oil subsidy.

The FIRS, however said that as an agency of the Federal Government, it is working, in unison, with President Goodluck Jonathan to institute and implement policies and programmes for sustainable revenue for the development of the country.

A statement signed by the FIRS Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Obeta and made available toHuhuonline.com reads:

“The attention of the Federal Inland Revenue Service has been drawn to news stories reported in several newspapers today, Monday 31st October 2011, stating that the agency is in disagreement with the Federal Government on the planned removal oil subsidy.

“They were various strands of the same report in several dailies, suggesting that there is a crack within government over the economic policy direction of the Federal Government.

“The FIRS wishes to state that as agency of the Federal Government, the question of disagreement with the policy direction of the Federal Government is not plausible, nor could it be contemplated.

“Contrary to insinuations in the media, Mrs. Okauru was neither at the meeting held on Friday, October 28, 2011 nor was she in Abuja on that day as she was on another official assignment. No discussions have ever taken place on the issue in question.

“The Coordinating Director, Corporate Development Group, Mr. Osy Chuke represented the Executive Chairman, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru at the House of Representative Committee's meeting on the 2012-2015 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and 2012 Fiscal Strategic Plan held on Friday, October 28, 2011 but no discussion took place. Rather, members of the House Committee specifically requested for Revenue estimates to be provided and presented on Monday, October 31, 2011.

“The FIRS wishes to restate that as an agency of the Federal Government it is working, in unison, with President Goodluck Jonathan and all members of his dedicated team to institute and implement policies and programmes that will provide sustainable revenue for the development of our country”, the statement affirmed.