As I browse social media sites, I have come across a variety of mixed-up, complicated remarks, worries, prayers, and questions people have written in the hope that Honourable Betara will see them and respond. A few questions have frequently stood out, namely: What lies ahead for Muktar Betara Aliyu after the speakership race in 2023? Will the Head-boy still be interested in heading the house, what should Nigerians and his followers expect? How could a visionary, and outstanding leader miss being in the position due to him, or was he not fit? Who is Betara?
Betara is a man of faith; he believes, God orchestrate every dealings of his life.
Such conviction has been the mainstay of his actions and inactions. Betara OON is a principled, brilliant, and courageous democrat who plays politics without resentment. He is a leader whose ideals of honesty and hard work are inspirations to many.
He is a liberal and consummate politician with noble intentions and a higher purpose; a development trailblazer in the Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya-Kusar federal constituency of Borno state, who has been making significant difference in the lives of his constituents.
Betara is a great parliamentarian who seeks power for principle rather than power over the law. He is committed to the social, political, and economic justice of his people in particular, and Nigerians in general.
This is a man who has chosen a cause to advance opportunities and ensure equal life chances for all. One thing is clear in all of these efforts, to better the fortune of his people: there are no political motivations, egocentric or economic interests. This kindness and humility have endeared him to many.
Leaders like Betara, using foresight to make better decisions, are more concerned with mitigating the risks for any strategy they decide to move forward with. Through vision, leaders can develop many possible strategies that they could take in response to the scenarios they have identified. This has also been the strength and strategy in Betara as to why he remains calm though powerful.
Betara has become a beacon of hope to many homes, wards, communities, local government areas, states and the nation, not because he is the oldest politician, but because he has married his lifestyle to the popular saying, “I have reached a rank where all men honour me, but I understand honour comes from service”.
Betara has achieved greatness through diligence, self-will and determination. He has remained unruffled even in the face of unwarranted intimidation and provocation; being a critical thinker. His quest for any post in his political journey has always been about the good of his people and Nigeria. That is why he has become one of the strongest advocates for unity, peace, and progress; being a result-driven leader and a change maker who has brought novel and strategic changes in the economic and socio-political sectors across board.
A man is known for his words and actions; these two must tally. If there is a divergence, then neither his words nor actions are of any value, no matter how magnanimous. From the testimonies of the person of Betara, his words and actions have proved a unity of purpose, a confluence of merit and a harbinger of inspiration over the decades.
Starting in 2007, Betara’s legacy as the elected representative of his people has been that of a leader who defied the odds and led people straight, in a time of crookedness, even when it entailed trying unpopular choices and following the longer route. Courage shall be the universal theme of the testimonials from Betara’s impactful political journey.
However, given the hazards of politics, the story of Betara’s political expedition portrays the monster pulling Nigeria apart and the corrosion of discipline in the political arena. His immediate taste of events in politics has proved and cautioned that anyone desiring to venture into politics, MUST first sit and count the cost, to be convinced whether he or she is ready to pay the price; to take the burden and travails that come with it.
No one will be wrong to maintain the factual capture of Betara on the matters of his constituency, state and Nigeria, which is once a Headboy, always a Headboy; his shall be a chronicle of hope. When a leader is clothed with integrity, humility and passion, the stage is set for him to make great impact.
The land is green and the future is bright. The nation awaits the Betara phenomenon.
A A. Mshelia,
Abuja