ABUJA: The Concerned Northern Elders Forum has rejected and distanced itself from recent statements attributed to the Northern Elders Forum, describing them as misleading and unrepresentative of northern interests, particularly on the Federal Inland Revenue Service and President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
In a statement signed by Mr Nasir Manguno on Thursday, the group said it was compelled to speak in the interest of truth, historical accountability and national responsibility.
The elders said the alleged NEF position opposing the FIRS, its Executive Chairman and the President’s reform agenda did not reflect the collective conscience or progressive expectations of northerners.
They accused the NEF of losing moral authority, degenerating into a platform for political grievances and sponsored opposition narratives.
The forum commended the current FIRS Executive Chairman, noting that the agency had consistently exceeded revenue targets, strengthened non-oil revenue mobilisation, deployed data-driven strategies and blocked revenue leakages.
They praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, noting that difficult decisions were necessary to reverse years of subsidy dependency and economic decline.
The elders expressed support for the FIRS Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving inter-agency collaboration, harmonising data systems and promoting accountability.
They reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda and warned against attempts to obstruct accountability and national progress.
