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ICAN Inaugurates FIRS Chapter, Lauds Adedeji’s Reforms
The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Davidson Alaribe, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chapter of the professional body, charging officers to uphold the ethical standards of the accountancy profession.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Alaribe emphasised the significance of the chapter, noting that FIRS is the largest employer of chartered accountants in Nigeria. He disclosed that out of the country’s 66,000 chartered accountants, over 2,800 are in FIRS, making it the government agency with the highest number of ICAN members.
Alaribe also commended the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for his transformational leadership, which he said has repositioned the agency as a vital driver of national economic development. He acknowledged the FIRS boss’s efforts in ensuring increased revenue generation, transparency, and professionalism in tax administration.
“I must commend the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for the remarkable transformation happening at the agency. His leadership has further reinforced the importance of professionalism in financial management and revenue collection,” Alaribe said.
In a statement by his Technical Assistant (Media), Sikiru Akinola, Adedeji reiterated his commitment to upholding ethical standards and supporting ICAN members within the agency.
PplRepresented by the Coordinating Director (Medium Taxpayers Group), Dr. Dick Irri, the FIRS boss noted that ICAN members have consistently demonstrated excellence and professionalism in their duties.
“ICAN is dear to me in many ways. Apart from being a Fellow of ICAN, we have close to 3,000 members working in FIRS. I like to tell you that all your members have always upheld the core values of ICAN. They have set standards others are working to catch up with,” Adedeji said.
He further emphasised that the establishment of the ICAN chapter within FIRS would strengthen professionalism, foster collaboration, and enhance revenue collection processes.
The newly inaugurated ICAN-FIRS chapter pledged to uphold ethical financial practices and promote continuous learning among its members.
In her acceptance speech, the pioneer chairperson of the FIRS-ICAN chapter, Dr. Josephine Onyia, expressed appreciation to the FIRS chief and his management for their unwavering support in setting up the unit.
“As members of a noble profession like ours, we are crucial in upholding financial integrity, fostering economic advancement, and promoting trust within the business community. I am honoured to be the pioneer chairperson of the ICAN-FIRS chapter, and I assure you that we will contribute actively to the advancement of the accounting profession and revenue collection for national development,” she said.
Onyia also promised to create opportunities for professional growth by ensuring that members have access to resources that will enable them to excel in an ever-changing financial environment.
Other officers of the chapter include Mrs. Adenike Adegoke (Vice-Chairperson), Abdurauf Aderemi (General Secretary), Mrs. Patricia Ofili (Treasurer), and Mr. Aduka Borr (Publicity Secretary), among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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