The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has described the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, as both a true politician and a staunch promoter of professionalism.
In a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, the President, CITN, Mr. Mark Dike, described Agagu’s death as untimely and sad.
He said, “It is with a great sense of shock and loss that we received the sad news. Indeed, Nigeria and the CITN will definitely miss him, particularly at a time his wealth of experience is needed most.
“If there was any player in the Nigerian political field that didn’t follow the rules of the game, at least, by selfish and ruthless approach to state administration, that person was Agagu.”
Recounting how the late politician had promoted professionalism during his tenure as governor, Dike said, “In 2005 when most state governments were struggling to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue, a non-tax professional was nominated as the chairman of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue Service. The leadership of the institute brought to the attention of the governor the position of the law on such appointment.
“Agagu apologised for such oversight and immediately directed his finance commissioner, to reverse the nomination of the non-professional appointee, while ensuring that an astute tax professional, Mr. John Adebiyi, replaced him.”