Group advocates competence, character in choice of Reps Speaker

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

A coalition of pro-democracy groups in Nigeria has urged the All Progressive Congress (APC) to enthrone competence, credibility, and experience in its choice of speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

The group at a press conference in Abuja, endorsed Muktar Aliyu Betara of Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency as Speaker, stating that the age-long tradition of zoning should be jettisoned in the interest of Nigerians and the nation.

Convener and president of the group, Dr. Ben Ahmodu, said the coalition’s endorsement of Betara was borne out of extensive scrutiny of the returning legislators’ pedigree, capacity, and leadership qualities, adding that the astute accountant is unmatched.

Describing Betara as a seasoned lawmaker with the requisite experience and strength of character to pilot the affairs of the House, the groups, therefore, urged the APC to justify Nigerians’ faith with the best possible leaders in the 10th National Assembly.

“It is a statement of the fact that the composition of the 10th National Assembly indeed, represents a robust gathering of lawmakers in their prime and positioned to ensure quality representations in the 10th Assembly. The coalition of pro-democracy groups in Nigeria is calling on the leadership of the APC to enthrone competence, credibility, and experience in its choice of leadership of the Federal House of Representatives. In this dispensation, the emphasis should be on competence and credibility rather than clannish considerations. This has not served a purpose in times past and is not a logical approach in this era where the country is desirous of purposeful leadership as we straddle the various socio-economic challenges in the country.

“This much was experienced in the keenly contested elections that saw the people’s wishes prevail in the choice of their representatives in the Federal House of Representatives. Therefore, it behooves the leadership of the All-Progressive Congress, the majority party in the House, to ensure that its choices indeed reflect the urgency of now.  As customary, it is expected that a speaker would emerge from the lot of returning legislators to pilot the affairs of the Federal House of Representatives.

“The list is indeed intimidating, however, one name that has stood out is Aliyu Muktar Betara, a member representing Biu, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo, and Shani constituency.” 

He has been a member of the Federal House of Representatives since 2007. He has headed several committees, such as public accounts and special duties, Army, and Defense. His legislative interest includes appropriation, customs, electoral matters, and public accountancy.”