Former APC legal adviser and Tinubu rival Banire appointed AMCON chairman by Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Muiz Banire, immediate past legal adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and foremost political rival to Bola Tinubu, the party’s national leader, as chairman of the governing board of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Banire’s appointment is subject to the confirmation by the senate.

Tinubu and Banire had been locked in a bitter battle for political supremacy which saw the national and Lagos axis of the party pull their weight in opposite directions.

As the tussle heightened, Banire was suspended by the local chapter of the party in Lagos, a move which was vacated by the national executive led by former chairman John Odigie-Oyegun who was also engaged in a bitter rivalry with Tinubu.

The battle for supremacy continued until recently when Tinubu appeared to have finally triumphed as his faction of the APC in Lagos State was eventually recognized as the legitimate executive, while Oyegun bowed out as national chairman after being schemed out of the equation.

On Tuesday, Senate President Bukola Saraki read a letter from Buhari, seeking the confirmation of Banire and 13 members of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Meanwhile, the senate has confirmed Musiliu Smith, a former inspector-general of police, as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Smith will take over from Mike Okiro, also a former inspector-general of police.

Buhari had appointed Smith in May in addition to Clara Ogunbiyi (full-time commissioner), north-east; Lawal Bawa (full-time commissioner), north-west; Mohammed Najatu (member) north-west, Briamoh Austin (member), south-south; Rommy Mom (member), north-central; and Nkemeka Jombo-Ofo (member), south-east; as members of the police commission board.

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The upper legislative chamber confirmed the nominees after Abu Ibrahim, the senate chairman of police affairs presented a report to the lawmakers for consideration.

Ibrahim said the nominees met all the nominees met the necessary requirements.

Saraki urged the appointees to help the police carry out the needed reforms with their ranks.

“First, let me congratulate the new members of the Police Service Commission and at the same time, commend the quality of the nominees that have been brought forward by Mr. President,” Saraki said.

“This gives us hope and encouragement that all our efforts to see that this critical aspect of our security architecture receives the necessary reform. We wish all the members the best of luck in their new role. Before this nomination, they have had a lot of expectations from Nigerians. This is why we ensured that we fast-tracked this nomination

“A lot of people are expecting that the capacity of the individuals on the Police Service Commission will support the police to carry out the necessary reform that is required, particularly in ensuring that we drive a performance driven police force.”

 

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