The race for who becomes the next speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has become very exciting with the reported endorsement of some members by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the subsequent protests it has generated, especially from other aspirants for the position.
More interesting, however, is the clamour from the opposition parties as well as majority of members of the party who see Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara as a better candidate for the position.
The quest to allow the House choose its presiding officers independently has also been boosted by various organisations from women to youths to even elders across the geo-political zones who wish that the country is not given the pains of having a rancorous election of presiding officers that will be viewed as being against the incoming executive.
For the records, it is pertinent that we understand that Hon. Betara and the other candidates protesting the alleged imposition of persons by the party are not against the party. Rather, considering the fiery struggle that transpired during the last general elections, they are determined to ensure that Nigerians do not view the incoming leadership of the House as imposed or rubber stamped but as an independent House that will reflect on the expectations of a better legislative business in the next four years.
Considering the candidacy of Hon. Betara, chair, House Committee on Appropriations, as the bride of majority of members, I state that if elections into all the positions are held today, he will win. This is predicated on his performance as a legislator and true representative of his people.
A peep into some of his achievements as a member is intimidating. Little wonder his people have always been reelecting him to represent them. His achievements includehe following:
i. Decade-long multi-billion naira Biu Dam project is about to be completed because of his intervention;
ii. Multi-billion naira international cancer centre at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital;
iii. Infrastructural revolution such as roads, bridges, rural electrification, street lights, water projects, construction of markets, etc, across Borno state;
iv. Educational development by building schools, creating scholarship opportunities to the deserving and the needy as well as supporting University of Maiduguri, Borno State University and some of our colleges with lecture halls, theatres and buses;
v. Healthcare service was boosted by providing primary health centres as well as supporting the existing hospitals with equipments and facilities; and
vi. Empowered women and youths and provided employment opportunities to numerous indigenes of Borno state.
Betara’s achievements in his state, which, incidentally, is my own state, are unprecedented in the history of Borno state. He is from a minority tribe that was touted that highest they could attain politically is a deputy governor, because of Betara’s wide acceptability and level headedness, I have the feelings that he will be the first non Kanuri/Shuwa to govern our state should he decide to contest anytime.
As a law maker, he has shown a pan-Nigerian spirit which has endeared him to a large chunk of members of the House. The present speaker knows that Hon. Betara is the key to the House which he presently oversees.
The issue of coming from the same state or region with the vice-president should not be an issue because this is not the first time and will not be the last. Former speaker of the 7thHouse braced all odds to become the speaker even when Namadi Sambo was vice-president.
The present Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila is from the same state as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and there have not been complaint to that regard. It will be a disservice to Nigerians who voted for Tinubu and his vice against all odds, especially the much touted Muslim-Muslim ticket, to still deprive them especially majority of the members who are insisting on Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara as speaker.
I believe the incoming president is a democrat who understands the importance of the voice of the people and I strongly expect him and the party to accept the outcome of a Betara speakership which will position the House for a better Nigeria.
May God direct us aright!
Abba Bukar Abba Masta,
National Coordinator,
United Youth Initiative for Good Governance,
Bama, Borno state