Dare Babalola
The Northern Youths Movement (NYM) has urged Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to disregard allegations made by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The group accused the lawmaker of politically hunting for a new target.
This was stated in a Saturday statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Mallam Ishaya Jato.
The youths accused Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North Federal Constituency in Imo State, of fabricating platforms and political titles to target public officials for personal gain.
According to the NYM, “After Ugochinyere’s political influence in Rivers State collapsed, he remained quiet, but now he is targeting the FIRS Chairman to attempt extortion.”
Ugochinyere had earlier alleged that a coalition of civil society organisations was collecting signatures to push for a vote of no confidence in the FIRS chairman, citing breaches of constitutional and economic rules.
He also announced that the petition against Dr. Adedeji would be made public on December 15, 2025.
But the NYM dismissed his claims, saying the coalition does not exist.
“There is no coalition of civil society groups except one with Ikenga Ugochinyere as the sole member,” the group said.
“As a hustler, what he does is to fabricate political titles and non-existing platforms.”
The group recalled that Ugochinyere had previously described himself as the spokesperson of an Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly, a title they said has no official recognition.
“Currently, he is heading a fictitious coalition of civil society groups aimed solely at attracting the attention of the FIRS Chairman to extort money. Dr. Zacch Adedeji should therefore disregard him,” the statement added.
The NYM expressed support for the FIRS chairman, saying he has recorded significant progress, especially in boosting non-oil revenue.
“For us in the NYM, the FIRS Chairman has done tremendously well, and he should continue his strides. Therefore, Ugochinyere should look elsewhere to practice his scamming business,” the group said.
