My colleagues in the minority will vote Betara as speaker, says PDP rep-elect

Peter Akpanke, a house of representatives member-elect, says his colleagues in the minority political parties will elect Muktar Betara, a lawmaker from Borno state, as speaker.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had nominated Tajudeen Abbas, a lawmaker from Kaduna, for the speakership position in the 10th assembly.

The APC’s decision has divided the minority parties. While the minority parties forum has thrown its weight behind Abbas, the greater majority group is yet to name its choice.

Both groups boast of having membership across all the minority parties — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Akpanke, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member from Cross River elected to represent Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku federal constituency, said Betara is the most suitable candidate, adding that he possesses the requisite values to be the presiding officer of the house.

“We unanimously agreed that the country needs someone with the ability and capacity to unify the country, the competence and skills to drive an effective and productive legislature, a bridge builder between the other arms of government and above all, a man with serene humility, character and fear of God in discharging the duties associated with the office. That person is no other than Rt. Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu (OON),” the statement reads.

“The members-elect of the house minority caucus in the 10th assembly unanimously resolved to mobilise support and reach out to more members from their zones, with detailed facts of Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s solid and intimidating antecedents with regards to his legislative prowess over the years thus, singling him out as the suitable person over other contestants.”