APC Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, Steps Down

BEVERLY HILLS, November 07, (THEWILL) – The National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Muiz Banire (SAN) has stepped down.

THEWILL recalls that Banire is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the payment of N500,000 into the account of a judge of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

Banire was interrogated at the Lagos office of the commission after he was summoned, to which he obliged by turning up for questioning, after which he asked to return the following day.

In a letter which he wrote to the APC National Executive Committee through the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, and copied to President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Banire said he was stepping down pending the outcome of the EFCC investigation.

Although he has maintained his innocence, he said he was doing so in the interest of the image of the party.

Some of the senior advocates who had been quizzed by the EFCC over such allegations includes Norrison Quakers, Rickey Tarfa, Chief Felix Fagbohun, Paul Usoro, Joseph Nwobike and Valentine Obi.

Four lawyers, who are not senior advocates, were also quizzed. They are Lai Arikewuyo, Titus Orimijupa, Bayo Onitubora and Iniebong Etek.

Story by Oputah David