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Tag: Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara

  • Betara hails Tinubu, Shettima, 28 new govs

    Betara hails Tinubu, Shettima, 28 new govs

    …expresses renewed hope in new leaders

    Foremost Speakership aspirant for the 10th House of Representatives, Hon Muktar Betara Aliyu has congratulated the new President and Commander in Chief of Nigeria’s Armed forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Shettima Kashim on their successful inauguration as they lead the country to greater heights.

    The speakership hopeful also congratulated the 28 new state governors sworn in across the states of the federation.

    In a statement personally signed by the Speakership hopeful, Betara expressed optimism that the president and Vice president both successful former governors and former Senators in their capacities will take Nigeria to higher heights having delivered dividends of democracy to their respective states of Lagos and Borno respectively.

    He urged Nigerians to give their maximum support to the new leaders to perform and recover the nation towards the path of security, socio-economic revival, unity and development.

    Betara said when elected Speaker, he will lead a vibrant House of Representatives that will align with the aspirations and policy focus of the two leaders which centred around security, unity and development, youth and wome empowerment, and the restructuring of the nation for maximum progress.

    He said “It is great joy and a sense of fulfillment that I, Rt. Hon Muktar Betara Aliyu join felow compatriots to congratulate our new president, Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR and the Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima GCON

    “Today, the hope of many Nigerians is renewed because of the proven capacity and capabilities of the captain of the ship of state”

    “Without doubt, i believe our nation is heading in the right direction to greater heights. We are assured that New Horizon of greatness is ahead of us as a people and a nation.

    He urged all compatriots to join hands and embrace the incoming administration

  • Speakership race: PDP Members-elect optimistic over peaceful resolution of lingering crisis +Photos

    Speakership race: PDP Members-elect optimistic over peaceful resolution of lingering crisis +Photos

    …insist majority of us in Greater Majority group have endorsed Betara – Hon. Inuwa

    Notable Members-elect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday assured Nigerians that the lingering crisis trailing the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly would be resolved amicably.

    The lawmakers who spoke during a media chat at the sideline of the ongoing Induction of returning and newly elected lawmakers organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed support for the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s ambition.

    Speaking exclusively with Parliamentary Correspondents, former Speaker, Gombe House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Inuwa described Hon. Betara as the most qualified Aspirant after wide consultation with other Aspirants who have so far expressed interest in the Speakership race.

    “The focus of the Greater Majority is to have a very focussed and purposeful leadership for the 10th Assembly that will bring all members together for a good working relationship.

    “That should be based on track record, experience and commitment. Most of us in the 10th Assembly believe that Aliyu Betara has what quality to give to Nigerians what we want in the 10th House of Representatives.

    “Nigeria is already in a serious problem and to come out of this problem starts and ends with having a good leadership.

    “Once many of us coming from the Opposition Parties see reason to team up with somebody from the ruling party, you should know that such a person will be committed and has the will to carry all of us along as Members and has very good understanding of the tenets of the legislature and good relationship. The beneficiary of that will be the government in power.

    “I can tell you that the only person who qualify for the position and has all these qualities and is prepared and committed is Muktar Aliyu Betara.

    “Majority of us in the Greater Majority group have endorsed Betara for the position and I can assure you that if today, we go in for the contest, Betara will be the Speaker. His Speakership will be the gain of Nigerians. For somebody to choose a Speaker for us is a misnormal.

    “That is undemocratic and unconstitutional. We will vote for the person that will do justice to Nigerians and I can assure you that the next Speaker of the House of Representatives is Aliyu Muktar Betara,” Hon. Inuwa, a former Chairman, Conference of Speaker of State Houses of Assembly said.

    Also speaking with Parliamentary Correspondents, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo state who kicked against the APC National Working Committee’s plot to impose its preferred Aspirants on the House,

    He said: “I believe that the independence of the parliament is an important foundation for any progress that will be recorded. At the same time, stability and harmonious co-existence is also very important if we must achieve what we promised our people out there.

    “Right now, there seems to be so much confusion. But in the days ahead, after consulting party leaders, one can speak clearly on these divisions and this contest viz-a-vis the need for an independent parliament, the need for stability and the need for harmonious co-existence.

    “These disagreements are political in nature and they keep coming every four years. But I think that conversation must be shifted to the agenda of the 10th National Assembly.

    “I think people are focusing so much on this leadership contest without discussing these people who want to be Speaker. What is their Legislative agenda as it has to do with the urgent need to restructure the country, to secure the country, eradicate poverty, to ensure economic wellbeing of the people.

    “Now everybody is talking about who wants to be Speaker, who the party wants or does not want. But nobody is talking about what the Nigerian people want.

    “We now have a country where the rate of poverty keep increasing. Those who don’t have keep increasing, those who cannot sleep with two eyes closed keep increasing. The educational system is bad; there is so much disunity and division which also bring to the front burner the issue of how to unite the country and reduce the cost of government.

    “How do we ensure that every segment of the country feel entitled to to equity, fairness and justice. I think we should first x-ray these Candidates to know their capacity and how they understand the deep rooted nature of legislative business and the kind of legislation that will impact on people’s life.

    “We must find a way of bringing these issues to the table instead of focusing more on who the party want or don’t want. After the end of the leadership contest on June 13, they will be faced with the business of lawmaking and if we elect people who don’t have interest and concern for the key issues facing Nigerians today, then we are going to have a problem,” Hon. Ugochinyere warned.

    On his part, Hon. Cyril Hart (PDP, Rivers) observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates the “procedure that we should adopt as members to elect our presiding officers. I share the sentiment that the Majority Party should produce the leadership of the House even though I am of the PDP.

    “Whatever you are seeing now will calm down and at the end, Nigeria will get the best out of it. So, there is no cause for alarm because it is all politics.

    “Contest is free and anyone is free to contest, but my simple opinion is that the majority party, the APC with the highest number of Members-elect should produce the leadership. It’s an APC affair and I believe that they should be allowed to produce the leadership of the 10th Assembly.

    “So, whatever they are are doing is their business. I am only praying that the best emerges. What you are seeing is politics. The dust will settle and at the end of the day, Nigerians will get the best. So, no course for alarm,” he noted.

  • Speakership Top contender, Betara celebrates Hilda Baci as she breaks world record

    Speakership Top contender, Betara celebrates Hilda Baci as she breaks world record

    Hon Aliyu Betara one of the top aspirants for the speakership position has congratulated Hilda Baci for breaking the world record of the longest cooking period.

    Betara via his tweeter handle said: “The true Nigerian spirit is always seen in our passion, determination and quest to be positively outstanding in our fields of endeavors.

    I celebrate Hilda Baci for such courage to pick up the challenge to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.

    @hildabaci has become a model of courage and is inspiring many around the globe already. Bravo! – MBA

    Betara a down to earth politician is the first among his fellow combatants to celebrate Buci for making Nigeria proud.

  • (Just In)Speakership: Betara, Gadgi, Jaji, Wase, Doguwa, others meet to review imposition of Abass+Photos

    (Just In)Speakership: Betara, Gadgi, Jaji, Wase, Doguwa, others meet to review imposition of Abass+Photos

    Top contenders for the speakership position in the tenth House, Hon Aliyu Betara, Idris Wase, Sani Jaji, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Yusuf Gadgi and others met in the early hours of Tuesday to review the imposition of Hon Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State as the anointed candidate of All Progressives Congress APC.

    Recall that the APC NWC on Monday evening as Betara was declaring his intention to run for the coveted position announced the anointment of Abass.

    Details of the meeting was not disclosed but is not unconnected with the announcement as bitterness pervades many camps gunning for the position.

  • 10TH ASSEMBLY: Betara ignores zoning, declares for Speaker

    10TH ASSEMBLY: Betara ignores zoning, declares for Speaker

    …as outgoing deputy speaker Wase queries choice of Abass as consensus candidate

    Hon. Aliyu Betara representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has officially declared his intention to run for the office of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

    Betara’s declaration comes same day the ruling party announced that it has zoned the position of Speaker of the 10th House to Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna State) and Deputy to Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Abia State), and it was obvious that this decision of the party did not go down well with Members-elect.

    Betara accused the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila of sponsoring someone who was not popular in the House to succeed him as the next Speaker.

    Betara who is the incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation was joined by fellow contestants like Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, Leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Hon. Sani Jaji, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi among others in solidarity.

    TheNewsGuru.com, recalls that the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 8 officially zoned the Speaker to the North West, while the Deputy Speaker was zoned to the South East.

    Meanwhile, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen (APC-Kaduna) was chosen to succeed Gbajabiamila in the 10th assembly while Rep Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) was anointed as the Deputy Speaker.

    Reacting to the development at his declaration, Hon. Betara vowed to go ahead to contest for the position of the Speakers during his official declaration despite the zoning by the party.

    According to him, it was a surprised to him when Gbajabiamila nominated Hon. Abass outside of all those seated at the declaration and had indicated interest.

    “If today, the deputy Speaker of the House is contesting, the Chairman Appropriation is contesting, the Majority Leader is contesting, then who’s closer to the speaker”, he queried.

    Among those who spoke was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, who faulted the choice of Hon. Tajudeen Abass, by the APC as its consensus candidate for speakership of the 10th Assembly called on lawmakers not to allow the parliament to be hijacked.

    Wase said that arriving at a consensus required discussion by critical stakeholders and wide consultations, but none of that was done.

    He said, “Again, I want to add that we are here to ensure the independence of the parliament. To ensure that we work together. Every Parliamentarian must rise to the occasion

    “We will work as a term. We will not allow this parliament to be hijacked. We will not allow this parliament to be made a lame duck. I believe we are loyal to our country first. Loyal to our party and loyal to our people.

    “When say you you have a consensus candidate, the language for consensus is that there have been mass consultations, people go to table for discussion. There is agreement. In this case, we just saw and we are hearing rumors, speculations that some people have been made consensus candidates.

    ” I don’t know whether that is the meaning of consensus. This place is very sacred. We must be Honourable in our action in defence of the federal republic if Nigeria.”

    Also Doguwa who said the parliament must always be allowed to choose its leaders, noted that it is not for outsiders to decide who leads the House.

    He stated, “One message I want to pass across is that the parliament is one institution that must always be allowed to choose own leaders.

    “The business of our leadership should be solely our business and no other person’s business. In a situation where you have some people in whatsoever guise trying to decide our leadership, to form our leadership from outside without consulting us I think that should be seen as a mere failure.

    ” I remain available for consultations until that is done , every one will answer his father’s name.”

    Other present at the declaration include the Niger State Governor-elect, Hon. Umaru Bago, a serving lawmaker and a close ally of Betara.

    Members-elect from across party divides throng the venue of Betara declaration at Lagos/Osun hall of the Transcorp Hilton.

  • Speakership Race: Betara remains unbeatable, says Gudaji

    Speakership Race: Betara remains unbeatable, says Gudaji

    Leading aspirant for the Speakership seat of the House of Representatives, Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara remains unbeatable in the race for the Speakership of the House of Representatives.

    A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Mohammed Gudaji Kazaure in a goodwill made this known during the unveiling ceremony of the Speakership aspiration of Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

    He described Betara as a man with tremendous goodwill that could easily sweep the race for the Speakership of the 10th Assembly.

    The Jigawa born politician recalled that Betara singlehandedly influenced the votes that led to the emergence of Yakubu Dogara and his successor, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila as Speakers of the House of Representatives in the 8th and 9th Assemblies.

    He maintained that Betara who chairs the House committee on Appropriation remains indispensable as far as the race for the speakership of the 10th Assembly is concerned.

    He advised Gagdi to strike a deal with Betara to decide on which of them would succeed the outgoing Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

    He said: “The truth is Betara is the major contender in this race. If he is with Gagdi, he would win 100 percent. They understand each other. They Know each other. Betara is a good man, he is a very gentleman who is always calm and silent. The only thing with him is that he doesn’t know how to say no.

    “For me, we need a Speaker who would say no. I advice members to vote for Gagdi. I am planning to go and meet Betara and tell him to come and join Gagdi. Betara deserves the Speakership seat which he is now trying to take.”

    Kazaure who warned the APC leadership against imposition of Speakership candidate on the House described Betara as the father of the House that is well liked and admired by the entire members of the House of Representatives.

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  • [BREAKING] SPEAKERSHIP: Betara emerges as consensus candidate

    [BREAKING] SPEAKERSHIP: Betara emerges as consensus candidate

    Facts emerged on Friday that the incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu has been adopted as the sole Aspirant for the position of the Speaker of the 10th session of the House of Representatives.

    The adoption of Representative Betara Aliyu Muktar, member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State as consensus candidate for the Office of the Speaker 10th Assembly, one of the APC Chieftains who spoke to Journalists at the ruling party’s Secretariat in Abuja, was taken during a closed door meeting where various factors were considered, including “how best to stabilize the Green Chamber.”

    He assured that there’s an ongoing discussion with the President-elect and other relevant stakeholders.

    According to him, the APC National Working Committee’s decision to keep to the chest the resolution was to ensure that necessary steps are taken to pacify various Actors to harmonise positions and put the interest of the country and the Party first, above personal interests.

    “It is true that power is not given, it is also true that he who the cap fits, should wear it.

    “The unfolding events prior to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, and the jostle for the Office of the Speaker of same, it has become obvious where the pendulum is swinging to and our findings are pointing towards one direction and it’s no other than the person of Representative Betara Aliyu Muktar.

    “In the light of the aforementioned, we humbly urge the ruling party, APC and the other parties, to unanimously adopt this great mind, a solid character, a firm believer of fairness and equity, a man with the fear of God, a bridge builder and most importantly, a man who has come to leave legacies, that will stand the test of times in the legislative business.

    “This man called Rep Betara Aliyu Muktar (OON), will showcase quality Leadership, he will deliver on his promises to his Colleagues by ensuring a more robust and effective legislature thus giving the Nigerian people quality laws,” the source said.

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  • Keep faith with Nigerians as Tinubu takes over leadership baton – Betara advises Members-elect

    Keep faith with Nigerians as Tinubu takes over leadership baton – Betara advises Members-elect

    A leading aspirant for the position of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon Aliyu Muktar Betara has called on Members-elect to keep faith with Nigerians, as President President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to take over leadership from President Muhamadu Buhari.

    Hon. Betara who gave the charge via a statement issued by his Media Office, applauded all the Members-elect for their resolve to serve their respective Constituents across the 360 Federal Constituencies in the next democratic dispensation.

    He expressed appreciation towards the overwhelming support received from the Members-elect and Nigerians at large across party lines, urging stakeholders to disregard all forms of misgivings being disseminated through the social media and some National dailies.

    Betara reiterated commitment towards healthy engagement of all the Members-elect ahead of the inauguration of the 10th Assembly and assured various stakeholders of his commitment to the Nigerian Project and democratic Institutions.

    According to him, the People’s Parliament remains the beacon of hope for all the citizens irrespective of religion, tribe, race and political affiliation.

    “We must all be resolute in our quest not only as Parliamentarians, but as a united people to do all within our capacity to defend the democratic Institution of the National Assembly,” he said.

    The statement added that Hon. Betara’s Speakership aspiration is driven by Nigerians, APC Members and colleagues.

    He assured that the 10th Assembly under his watch, will be one united, indivisible legislature that will work harmoniously with all arms of Government.

    “Honourable Muktar Betara Campaign Organization wishes to refute in very strong terms the ill-motivated, sponsored, bile intentioned and untruth publication which sought to create disaffection across the nation.

    ” We will not be deterred by unidentified distractors from pursuing our course to a logical conclusion”

    “Hon Betara has not and will not veer off this course.

    “It need be clearly stated that his joining the 10th Assembly Speakership raceh is not fuelled by personal ambition, therefore lacks any iota of desperation that will inform working at variance with normal expectations of his political party.

    “The Organization wishes to reiterate Betara’s commitment to his party, the All Progressives Congress, that he joined hands with many party faithful to work hard to build leading to the victory for the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The Speakership race is a national one, that will naturally attract interests of many compatriots across all divides and inclination, definitely not excluding the Honourable Members-elect from other parties who also will have a say according to the fine details and principles of democracy.

    “The ultimate purpose and vision is to ensure that the 10th House of Representatives will be one united, indivisible Assembly that will work harmoniously with all arms of Government, particularly the Federal Government led by His Excellency, the President- Elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to enable us meet the huge expectations of our countrymen and women.

    “The 10th House of Representatives God willing under Hon Betara, will promote a legislative dispensation that will accommodate all opinions in the larger interest of all Nigerians, in our journey to a stronger, more prosperous, indivisible, and united nation starting from the parliament.

    Nation building is my utmost priority, he stressed

  • Speakership Race : Top contender Betara, intensifies consultation in Saudi Arabia +Photos

    Speakership Race : Top contender Betara, intensifies consultation in Saudi Arabia +Photos

    …vows to carry along colleagues

    A top contender for the position of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara has assured all Members-elect across party lines of his resolve to carry everybody along if elected.

    Hon. Betara who doubles as the incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations gave the assurance during the expanded consultation with various leaders and members of State Caucuses during the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

    The meeting was attended by returning and newly elected National Assembly members from Adamawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa and Bauchi States, respectively.

    The House Appropriation Committee Chairman who is currently in the holy land to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah) ahead of the completion of the Ramadan Fast is using the opportunity to meet and consult members-elect to advance his campaign

    Photographs sighted shows the Borno-lawmaker meeting and interacting with fellow lawmakers at his apartment in the holy city of Makkah on Monday evening.

    A statement by his campaign office in Abuja quoted some of the Members-elect who attended the meeting as pledging their “unflinching” support for Hon. Betara, just as they applauded his leadership quality and support provided over the years to his contemporaries irrespective of religious, ethnic and party affiliation.

    The statement also quoted one of the lawmakers (unnamed) after the meeting saying: “We are here on solidarity support for our Leader and esteemed Colleague for heeding to the clarion call to provide quality leadership.

    “We are all aware of the significant roles played by Rt. Honourable Muktar Aliyu Betara in the emergence of successive Speakers and Principal Officers in the current and successive Assemblies.

    “Most of us are also aware of his resolve to shelve his ambitions of becoming the Speaker in the previous Assemblies and as a loyal party-man aligning with the Party’s zoning arrangement.

    “For those in the know of how things panned out in the outgoing Assembly, I can tell you for free that Honourable Betara played significant role in averting serious crises, which helped in stabilizing this Assembly.

    “But as human beings, we are not too surprised what is playing out now. As you can see, so many of them forget so soon.

    “Let me ask you this question, have you ever seen Honourable Betara bully any of his Colleagues either as the Chairman of Defence or Appropriations? But all we are asking for is that the Members-elect should be allowed to exercise their franchise as provided by the Standing Order and relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “For us as a formidable team and Caucuses, we have all it takes to rally required support for Honourable Betara and of the assurance that whatever plays out will be in his favour In Sha Allah during the inauguration of the 10th Assembly,” the statement quoted the unnamed lawmaker.

    The lawmakers who are expected to be sworn-in in June, 2023 acknowledged the high sense of humility demonstrated by Hon. Betara whom they described as “an achiever, bridge-builder, unifying factor, team player, detribalised leader of uncommon virtues and role model.”

    They maintained that Hon. Betara remains the most popular aspirant in the the speakership race, given his generous disposition and responsiveness to members’ welfare, hence the resolve of making the returning and newly elected to support his ambition.