The Southern Borno State Development Association has declared support for the aspiration of Muktar Aliyu Betara to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly.
The chairman of the Association, Amb Dauda Danladi, made the declaration in Abuja on Wednesday.
Danladi declared that as indigenes of Southern Borno, they are concerned with development and that it was for this reason that they organized the coalition of development associations in the state.
He recalled that as his kin and kith, they were encouraged to gather money to purchase Betara’s nomination forms for his next term.
Danladi said Betara’s presence in the NASS for the past decades has led to developments in southern Borno and its people.
He said the people of the region which consists of Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Hawul, and Shani, have demonstrated their support for the election of Betara as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly, adding that they are pleading with the All Progressives Congress (APC), both returning and new members-elect to pick Betara as the next Speaker of the Green Chambers.
According to Danladi, “The 10th National Assembly requires a leader with leadership qualities, respect for democratic principles and due process as well as unparalleled commitment and dedication to duty, which Betara has exhibited.
“He has a high flair for uplifting the standard of living of Nigerians especially those at the grassroots. The evidence of the leadership qualities and the milestones Betara has achieved since he was first elected into the House of Representatives are valid reference points.”
The association chairman explained that as Borno people, they were befuddled by the praises poured on the competence, dexterity, acquired institutional knowledge, and depth of understanding of the working of the federal legislature Betara has acquired, noting that the lawmaker has contributed to the development of his constituency in various ways.
He said Betara as a detribalized Nigerian has supporters across Nigeria, adding that due to this, Betara has initiated the establishment of cancer centers in all the six zones which have been completed and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Danladi said because of the approval of his (Betara’s) purposeful representation, members of his constituency together with well-wishers in Borno State and other parts of the country have decided to support him to become the Speaker of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
He said “Betara has what it takes especially the intellectual capacity and the required experience to make him a successful Speaker, a fact amply demonstrated by the positions of responsibilities he held over the years in the House.
“Betara acted as chairman of the Sub-Committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency. He also serves as a member, House Committee on Interior and was subsequently appointed as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO).”
Given these and other numerous milestones recorded, Danladi said the lawmaker has acquired the experience to lead as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly.
Speaking in a similar tone, former Governor Ali Modu Sherrif’s younger brother, Mohammed Shariff has said they are not interested in whatever the All Progressives Congress APC might have done, and nobody can question what they are doing, adding that they are in full support of Betara to become the next Speaker.
He said “It does not matter even if the incoming Vice President is from North East, Borno State would for the first time produce the next Speaker,” Sheriff said.
