Muiz Banire, the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and three-time commissioner in Lagos State, speaks to PREMIUM TIMES on a looming crisis within the state chapter of the party. The APC, in its previous forms, has controlled Lagos since 1999.
What is your assessment of the APC’s chances in next year’s governorship election in Lagos?
To be candid, I am unable to say what it will be like because of what is presently going on within the party. My only hope is that we are able to be transparent, fair and just in the nomination process. Once we are able to do that, I will consider it very bright. But if otherwise, I’m not too sure what that will portend for us.
When you say ‘what is presently going on,’ what exactly are you talking about?
There is a tendency of imposition on the people. And a lot of people are out to resist it. And party members too appear to be on the same plane with those that are leading the struggle against the imposition of candidate. So I believe that it does not signal anything that is good for all of us.
A party leader in APC once said that this imposition method is working since the candidates are delivering, so there is no need changing a winning formula...
(Cuts in) Well, if it has worked, the first question one (would) want to ask such a person, particularly if you are referring to Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu), his own emergence was not as a result of hand picking in 1998, go and ask him. We had direct primaries all over Lagos. And BRF (Babatunde Fashola) will tell you that he is not a product of single-handed imposition, and you can confirm from him. I’m quoting him now. At least we still had primaries all over, some people didn’t participate ultimately, some that felt aggrieved, they left and he had a field day in 2007. So I did not know where that person would have gotten such an impression from. But let’s even assume that to be, the truth of the matter is that it is no more fashionable now, even if he had been doing it before. Secondly, this is a new party, and you recall our slogan is ‘change,’ that we are trying to do away with all those untoward things like lack of internal democracy. So I believe that it must not even be allowed to happen now, even if it had been happening in the past. It is not progressive. And if anybody claims to be progressive, he must not be seen to be advocating that kind of backdoor emergence of candidates.
Still on this issue of imposition, how much damage do you think it can wreak on the party?
A lot. I will start from the fact that it does not encourage mobilisation in the party in the first instance. Because the meaning is that rather than people going to their constituents to solicit for votes, they rather prefer to go to some leaders lurking in one corner or the other to go and solicit tickets. So you are not mobilising people into the system, to start with. Secondly, people are not accountable to their constituents again because of the imposition. Because if you have a godfather who has imposed you on the people, it’s the godfather that you are accountable to and in most cases what you find out is that the accountability in that instance is a tribute. That again does not boost the morale of the party members. And thirdly, it causes a lot of factionalisation, unnecessary ones. And we’ve had the consequence once and I kept on saying it. During the last local government elections, we had a similar experience. Some of our party member went to vote against our candidates. So it’s no news. So it could wreak a lot of damage.
If the party does not revert to internal democracy, do you see members moving out in droves?
To be candid, I foresee it. The level of frustration is so much within the system. Most of the people that I have come across that have struggled within the party seem to be frustrated already. In fact, it has taken my intervention to arrest largely the drift of people to the opposition party. And I believe that if you are giving them assurance you must be able to secure that assurance to the last, because if you fail, then you may not be able to control anybody. It could happen, more so that the PDP is advancing seriously against us in the state. So I do not believe that we should play to their hands at all.
If Mr. Tinubu, for example, insists on having his way in selecting the party’s gubernatorial candidate. What do you think would be the general reaction this time around?
Well, there are so many things that are involved. I’m aware that we have a guideline that is substantially watertight. Unfortunately, I don’t know why, in the last two weeks, that has not been released to the public to know. If we go by that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate the process. Because it is expected that when people gather in a place to select their candidates, they will vote secretly in the first instance and at the end of the day they vote for the candidate immediately and the vote given to the candidate immediately. But I think that is being resisted by those that are agents of imposition, already. And I think that…to do otherwise, I tell you the only asset we have and I’ve continued to warn us, is to throw up popular candidates in the state. Not only in our state alone, all over the country in order to make sure that whoever is going to be our ambassador must be a popular candidate. And a product of fair, transparent, and just primary. If it is not so, honestly it could spell doom for us at any level.
If those agitating for internal democracy have their way, do you see those on the other side, that is, the imposition camp, willingly working with them?
Working with us? You know they are in the minority, extreme minority for that matter. All they have access to, in most cases, is free funds. If you put that aside, it’s not that it’s anything extraordinary that is being worshipped in any one of them.
Are you backing any particular candidate for the APC governorship primaries in Lagos?
Number one, I’m a national officer of the party, we are meant to be neutral. I cannot back any candidate because of my position. Secondly, is the fact that some of us will prefer to see a candidate emerge as a result of the resolve of the people. So that’s my own thoughts in that regard.
About a dozen candidates are vying for the APC ticket in Lagos. Do you think the party has provided a level playing field?
Not all of them have level playing field, but we can make it level. Unfortunately for us, some of our leaders that are supposed to be participants in this process of creating a level playing field are the people that are also trying to also undermine it, that’s the sad thing about it. Because leaders must struggle to create a level playing ground for all of them to go into the contest. But we have seen a situation where resources, collective resources of the people and the party, is being used to mould a particular candidate.
Which particular candidate are you referring to?
The so called anointed candidate (Akinwunmi Ambode). That’s common knowledge in Lagos.
There was a period you were touted as the next governorship candidate in Lagos. What happened to that dream?
I for one I don’t have such ambition. And the reason why I don’t have are so many. One of them is the stigmatization of participants in public service. There is this presumption in favour of most people that are in public service, whether you struggle to be upright and honest, they don’t care. Once you are in that system, you are a thief. That stigmatization alone honestly discourages me from serving in any public capacity. Because they don’t believe that there could still be some people that would go into public office and still do it honestly.
Secondly again, is that I do know also because of my independence that some people will never be comfortable in their life with me, and me I’m not ready to compromise my standards and principles. So to that extent I will not even subject myself to that kind of process where you think you can blackmail me. It’s not possible. So I’m not even inclined on that ground again.
Thirdly, is the fact that I believe that at certain level you must allow new generation of people to take over the system. I was in the system for 12 years. I believe, with all sense of humility, I’ve added my own value. There are so many other people with better ideas, better energy, better thoughts than even some of us that we must leave the floor for to contribute their own quota.
When you talked about the people’s resources being used to promote a particular candidate, who did you have in mind?
We are going to define that very soon. Any time from December 3rd, we’ll start defining it. And documenting it appropriately.
Why wait till December 3rd?
Because December 2nd is the primaries. By 3rd, we’ll see.
Do you think ‘stomach infrastructure’ would shape voting in Lagos in 2015?
Not so much this time around, I can tell you. Because people in Lagos are, to a large extent, becoming more and more enlightened about the process these days and they are beginning to see the correct actors. And those dubious characters that used to be the leaders in the system people are beginning to identify them and repulse them. Even if you give them money, you throw everything to them; they will still do what is within their conscience. That is what’s the margin now, and we are going to put everything humanly possible behind to further educate and enlighten the people on why they must do the proper thing.
More members have become outspoken against imposition of candidates now, more than ever before in the party. Do you think Mr. Tinubu’s influence in the party, particularly in Lagos State, is waning?
Number one, APC is a new creation, it’s not ACN. APC is a much bigger party, and it’s a conglomeration of several interests. So to that extent one person cannot be in charge again. So for now everybody is in charge, every party member is in charge now unlike before. So that’s the difference.
Is everybody being in charge a plus for the party?
Yes. Serious one. Because now we have a bigger party, a bigger platform for all of us.
Final word: I want to encourage our people, particularly APC people, to shine their eyes. They must shine their eyes this time around and not allow anybody to pull the wool over them. They have their votes, their rights, and they must go all out to ensure that we have and enjoy free, transparent, and just primaries. And that whoever emerges must be the product of that process. They must be ready. They shouldn’t feel intimidated by anybody because nobody is god. For me, I want them to believe that there is God and all of us are creations of God and we have equal rights to aspire to anything. And you need not have any godfather before you can be anything, particularly in APC. What you need are your constituents, once they support you, you must be able to sail through. Not until one godfather or the other endorses you.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/170818-apc-could-lose-lagos-in-2015-national-legal-adviser-muiz-banire-warns.html

Gheun

Next Lagos governor will be Obanikoro or Jimi Agbaje, lets hope they sign the FOI bill so we know how much Tinubu gets from his Tinubu and sons Lagos Ltd.

Tinubu's empire is crumbling. Fashola is rooting for Supo Sashore against Ambode. It's one of the main factors why Tinubu is vehemently opposed to his emergence as Buhari's running mate propping up his loyalists like Yemi Osinbajo,Wale Edun and Ajayi Borrofice instead on the VP shortlist. Gani Solomon,Ikuforiji et Al are also revolting. Although the recently dissolved LGA Chairs tenures have expired. Fashola is bent on appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen to secure the ticket for Sashore.
On the other hand Jimi Agbaje looks set to pick PDP's ticket with the results of last week's ward congress showing loyalists of his backers Bode George and Ogunlewe trumping Koro's men. 2015 is gonna be a close one in Lag

LordVarys:
Tinubu's empire is crumbling. Fashola is rooting for Supo Sashore against Ambode. It's one of the main factors why Tinubu is vehemently opposed to his emergence as Buhari's running mate propping up his loyalists like Yemi Osinbajo,Wale Eden and Ajayi Borrofice instead on the VP shortlist. Gani Solomon,Ikuforiji et Al are also revolting. Although the recently dissolved LGA Chairs tenures have expired. Fashola is bent on appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen to secure the ticket for Sashore.
On the other hand Jimi Agbaje looks set to pick PDP's ticket with the results of last week's ward congress showing loyalists of his backers Bode George and Ogunlewe trumping Koro's men. 2015 is gonna be a close one in Lag

Heard Fash and Tinubu are not on talking terms. How true is that? Which side is Banire on?

Jimi Agbaje is the next governor of Lagos State

SenseiX:

Heard Fash and Tinubu are not on talking terms. How true is that? Which side is Banire on?

Don't know about that but i'm a little surprised Banire came out openly to expose the cracks. The axe might fall really hard on him

LordVarys:

Don't know about that but i'm a little surprised Banire came out openly to expose the cracks. The axe might fall really hard on him

The PDP should take advantage of this cracks real hard. Jimi Agbaje is looking good for it

Its PDP straight.

Obanikoro for governor !!!!!

LordVarys:
Tinubu's empire is crumbling. Fashola is rooting for Supo Sashore against Ambode. It's one of the main factors why Tinubu is vehemently opposed to his emergence as Buhari's running mate propping up his loyalists like Yemi Osinbajo,Wale Edun and Ajayi Borrofice instead on the VP shortlist. Gani Solomon,Ikuforiji et Al are also revolting. Although the recently dissolved LGA Chairs tenures have expired. Fashola is bent on appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen to secure the ticket for Sashore.
On the other hand Jimi Agbaje looks set to pick PDP's ticket with the results of last week's ward congress showing loyalists of his backers Bode George and Ogunlewe trumping Koro's men. 2015 is gonna be a close one in Lag

Nice unbiased analysis.

Thk God for exposing d PDP strategy to rig Lagos state election and d South west state to use inec in deleting names PDP av failed this time they av failed before and they will continue to fail in their bid forget ooooo.

Johnnyessence:
Thk God for exposing d PDP strategy to rig Lagos state election and d South west state to use inec in deleting names PDP av failed this time they av failed before and they will continue to fail in their bid forget ooooo.

u shall see,hin go be lik dream 4 ur eye

Johnnyessence:
Thk God for exposing d PDP strategy to rig Lagos state election and d South west state to use inec in deleting names PDP av failed this time they av failed before and they will continue to fail in their bid forget ooooo.

Looool tell your boss it is over. Godfatherism is OVER !!! No more Tinubu

Hmnn....Interesting...The cracks are glaring...

[/quote] Final word: I want to encourage our people, particularly APC people, to shine their eyes. They must shine their eyes this time around and not allow anybody to pull the wool over them. They have their votes, their rights, and they must go all out to ensure that we have and enjoy free, transparent, and just primaries. And that whoever emerges must be the product of that process. They must be ready. They shouldn’t feel intimidated by anybody because nobody is god. For me, I want them to believe that there is God and all of us are creations of God and we have equal rights to aspire to anything. And you need not have any godfather before you can be anything, particularly in APC. What you need are your constituents, once they support you, you must be able to sail through. Not until one godfather or the other endorses you. [quote]

^^^^^

Hin eye don dey open

I am coming back to fully digest this thread.

Hope it makes fp

Senu should put this on the front page!

PDP might win this one

adekampe:
PDP might win this one

Yes o. God is in control.

No man is above God.

Seun Fp things na

hmmmmm! D secret society ppl are tired of hiding, they are now talking. Some ppl are getting freed frm jagaba's spell, very interesting I must say.

some people can dream.
Muiz Banire himself was a former product of imposition.

Johnnyessence:
Thk God for exposing d PDP strategy to rig Lagos state election and d South west state to use inec in deleting names PDP av failed this time they av failed before and they will continue to fail in their bid forget ooooo.

Pls Hw do ur comment relate to the. Matter on ground.. Nawa oo

OAUTemitayo:
some people can dream.
Muiz Banire himself was a former product of imposition.

How was he a product of imposition when he never contested for any election but was always an appointee? Commissioners are not imposed but appointed based on track record/ pedigree

Get your facts straight

Tanoid and d PDP elite are just deceiving themselves in Lagos. God that exposed their tactics will give APC d victory.

Oyo, lagos, ogun for PDP next year!

Watch out....

Johnnyessence:
Tanoid and d PDP elite are just deceiving themselves in Lagos. God that exposed their tactics will give APC d victory.

Don't u ever put God and ur Islamic party in the same sentence. Its sacrilegious.

,,Going..going,is APC still there?

Some of u that stays across the river Niger will just come here with your myopic political analysis. You all don't no who Tinubu is in Lagos. He can spend his last kobo to make sure APC wins Lagos. So just forget it, let PDP present even Fashola as their flag bearer they will still lose. PDP is not a threat in Lagos.

Sai Buhari

I am sorry i can't defend a governor who does not account to the people. I can't defend Babatunde Raji Fashola. I can't allow my state to be run like the private property of a few people. This is no longer about political party. This is about responsibility. All Lagosians in all parties must pull together and demand
Lagos state accounts from Babatunde Fashola. He is an irresponsible person.

We don't want official roguery in Lagos state. We see the signs of official thefts already.
We see certain mansions acquired by state officials under Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.
We see hotels said to be owned by Tinubu.

We are not fools. We must fight against these ills. We fought against Sani Abacha
to have a clean and accountable government. We wanted democracy and a
government answerable to us as the people. What we are getting now is far from
it. This is not democracy. It is instead the same mentality of personal
ownership of government assets by a few Lagos state officials like the military had.

- Mr K Adeboye

[size=18pt]LAGOS NOW RATED 3RD WORST CITY IN THE WORLD
[/size]
“The January 2014 global study of cities in the world done by the British Economist
Intelligence Unit has ranked Lagos, Nigeria, as the 3rd worst liveable city in the world."

"Lagos has degraded further from its awful status in 2012 as the 4th worst city."

"On a scale of 100 Lagos now has the third poorest score of 39.0 of all cities in the world.

The study titled 'livability' assessed particular characteristics of each city, such as its
crime levels, the threat of conflict, the quality of medical care, the levels of censorship,

the city temperature, the quality of its schools and its transport links.”

[size=18pt]WHERE IS LAGOS STATE'S 40 BILLION DOLLARS?[/size]

Lagos state government has earned $40 billion plus in revenues between 1999 and now.
The money – less salary and running expenses - was partly shared between Alhaji Bola
Tinubu, and Alhaji Raji Fashola under corporate guise in the worst scam ever in modern
Yoruba history.

Last year, Lagos state floated a loan bond of about 80 billion Naira and got public
investors to subscribe for repayment with interest but once the bond was fully
subscribed, Raji Fashola took 40% of that money - about 35 billion Naira or so
- and handed it over in cash to Bola Tinubu, via a bogus corporate front.

This patently corrupt deal was ostensibly to buy back Lagos state 'concession
rights’ on the Lekki tolled Expressway, according to Raji Fashola. But what the
corrupt and clever by half Raji Fashola did not say is that the land at issue
belongs to Lagos state and was never sold to Bola Tinubu’s company in the first
place. Or did Bola Tinubu’s company invest 35 billion Naira developing the road.