By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
As the 10th National Assembly prepares for full legislative work after receipt of certificates of return from INEC, there is clear indication that the aspiration of Hon. Aliyu Betara, member representing Boy, Kwaya Kursa, Bayo and Shani Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives has received endorsement from majority of his colleagues.
It was also gathered that following the resolve of majority of the new and returning members-elect to back Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara , the lawmakers, who won their elections on different political platform, said there is no going back on their decision to elect Hon Aliyu Betara as the next Speaker of the House.
Hon. Kabir Ibrahim, member representing Fakai/Sakaba /Wasagu Danko/ Zuru Federal Constituency in Kebbi State in an interactive session with journalists said: “We have gone far in our campaign and support for Hon Betara; there’s no backing down now , we’re in clear majority.”
“Hon Betara, who is 57 years old and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for over a decade representing Biu/Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo , Federal constituency in Borno State will be serving his 5th term in the House of Representatives by the time the 10th Assembly is convene .
“He was elected for the first term in 2007. Having served as Chairman of different Committees including Army , Defence and currently Appropriation , Hon Betara is seen by his colleagues as the candidate most competent for the coveted position of Speaker, Federal House of Representatives.
“Although they are other Hon. members- elect vying for the seat of the Speaker of the House , but those backing Hon Betara are of the opinion that he stands tall above other contestants and that his endorsement cut across political party, religion, ethnic and regional affiliation .
“In June , when the 10th National Assembly will be convene, Federal lawmakers from the House of Representatives will have to choose from amongst themselves who will be the next Speaker of the House through voting and a winner emerges by a simple majority as required by the Nigerian Constitution.
“For the first time in the nations history, the current elected opposition parties members- elect put together are more than those of the ruling APC, a situation that will make the contest for who emerges the next Speaker a bit tougher, but the pro – Betara group do not consider that a threat to their resolve.
“As it stands , according to inside sources, Hon Betara who is also referred to as ” The Head Boy” is currently maintaining a comfortable lead with regards to the overwhelming endorsement from both new and returning members- elect of the House,” kabir said
A close associate and friend of the legislators , Hon. A.M. Biu also disclosed to the newsmen that ,” APC will have to handle with care on the proposed zoning arrangement ( if any) for the position of Speaker of House of Representatives may be a repeat of the situation in 2011 when members of the House of Representatives jettisoned the PDP zoning arrangement and the majority voted for the candidate of their choice.
It was however, gathered that some anti- Betara forces within and outside the hallowed chambers are allegedly embarking on desperate campaign to whip up their divisive sentiments and trying to subtly play the zoning card by emphasiing on the fact that the Vice President – elect, Senator Kashim Shettima Hon. Aliyu Betara,and Hon. Betara are both from same Borno State and the North East political zone.
” That argument and moves by few of my colleagues is dead on arrival. Lest we forget, the APC in 2019 zoned the position of Speaker to the South West, a zone where the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo hails from . It could also be recalled that in 2011 , the Vice President and Speaker of the House of Representatives came from same North West Zone .
” There’s no cause for alarm as Hon Betera is already coasting home to victory with overwhelming support from majority of members – elect. Betara is experienced , capable and above all reliable and an excellent team player ” Hon .Ahmadu Usman Jaha. APC , Member representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal constituency from Borno State said
Also , Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Khana/ Gokana Federal constituency in Rivers State, revealed that the choice for Hon. Betara to become the next Speaker of House of Representatives is a move to further ensure distribution and execution of quality human oriented projects in all Federal constituencies across the country.,”
” Hon Betara has done exceptionally well as the current Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation . He did not only ensure that development projects are spread across the country but he also pursued the release of funds to ensure the implementation of these constituency projects. We in the House are proud of him and we’re doing our best to ensure he emerges as the next Speaker.” Hon Decor said.
They further confirmed that members – elect of other opposition political parties, who are coming to the House of Representatives for the first term have also thrown their weight behind Hon Betara.
” With the little I have known about Hon. Betara, he’s someone that carry everyone along and he’s somebody that is disposed to proper democracy. I believe most us the new members- elect are ready to back Hon. Betara to become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives”, said Labour Party member-elect, Hon. Ngozi Okoli representing Aniocha /Oshimili Federal constituency in Delta State.
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