‘He’s most competent’ — north-central group wants Borno lawmaker nominated as rep speaker

A group known as North Central Frontiers (NCF) says Muktar Betara, a member of the house of representatives from Borno, is the most qualified to be speaker of the 10th assembly.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Moses Onah and Andrew Bot, the group’s president and secretary-general, said Betara has lived up to the expectations of his constituency.

The group said the lawmaker is “experienced, competent and prepared”, hence its support for him despite that he is from the north-east.

“This young man has achieved more than his contemporaries. As a trained accountant, he has judiciously used limited resources at his disposal to affect lives,” the group said.

“We recall how he donated thousands of solar-powered street lights to three local government areas. He facilitated the construction of major roads network in Biu and others linking villages within the constituency. He constructed a mini-stadium in Shani district. He upgraded Biu Emirate to a modern palace, built schools, and renovated health and other facilities.

“He has so far provided scholarships for over 5,000 students within and outside the country. At home, he built skill acquisition centres in each of the three local government areas. The centres have since graduated thousands of apprentices who have also become employers of labour, thereby generating wealth and adding value to society.

“Betara was one of the unseen hands to the ascension of Patricia Etteh, Dimeji Bankole, Aminu Tambuwal, Yakubu Dogara, and Femi Gbajabiamila as speakers. His influence, popularity and acceptability are unmatched. No wonder he is called the head boy.

“This is not the time for the politics of zoning. Integrity, capacity and competence should be the consideration. Hence we are throwing our weight behind Betara.”

Betara, who currently represents Biu/Kwaya Kusar/Shani/Bayo federal constituency in Borno state, is the chairperson of the house of representatives committee on appropriations.

Although the legislator has not formally declared his intention to contest for the position of speaker, there are indications that he might run for the country’s number four position.

Betara, who was reelected during the February 25 election, will be serving his fifth term when the 10th assembly is inaugurated in June.