Date: 2016-11-10

The decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire to step aside until the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conclude its investigation on an allegation of bribery against him is concluded is uncommon and plausible.

In a statement in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Organising Secretary of the group, Joe Mahmud said this should be a standard for any citizen under investigation. "Dr. Muiz Banire is quitting his plum office as a national legal adviser of a ruling party and a privileged position as a member of the electoral reform committee so that, the investigators will not be intimidated and those positions he occupied will not be brought into disrepute.

" For whatever reason he is put under investigation, he has not accused anyone of maligning him or went on campaign of sentiments. He is facing the facts of the charges against him.

"Dr. Banire is an exceptional breed and a first class Nigerian that has opened a new page in our national life. His action will teach our leaders some lessons that may be useful to really transform this country and take us out of such corrupt entities in the world."

Dr. Banire according to the statement could have been crying of 'witch haunting, wizard haunting or politically motivated trial', as it is the case of some high profile criminal trials in the country today.

"He could have suffocated the media with noise of witch haunting, wizard haunting or say it is politically motivated as the case may be to whip up sentiments and curry the favor of the public, leaving out the substance in the allegations.

" What do we have today? Politicians going to courts with government vehicles with official number plates on them. On many occasions with police and other security escorts and swamp of lawyers. They are not only displaying strength but also out to intimidate the learned trial judge.".

The statement concluded that, "our consolation is that , should all of us cooperate to shied the corrupt elements in our midst, none of them will evade the coming wrath of the Creator of the poor masses that have for long been deprived of good living standards occasioned by their corrupt practices".