The Forum of Former APC Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria has backed Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara for the position of Speaker in the 10th National Assembly.
The Forum, at a press conference in Abuja, said it settled for the Borno lawmaker as the best man for the job after consulting widely and extensively on the caliber of high-ranking federal House of Representatives legislators.
In his address, chairman of the Forum, Hon. Alegwu Adadu, said Betara’s selling points are experience, capacity, and strength of character, adding that as a unifier, he would build bridges regardless of party affiliations.
Adadu said: “The name Hon Muktar Ahmed Betara comes to the fore with experience, capacity, and strength of character to lead the Federal House of Representatives as Speaker.
“There is no gainsaying that the Federal House of Representatives needs a unifier as Speaker and someone passionate and committed to the Nigerian Project.
“There is also the need for the Speaker to be a bridge builder regardless of party affiliations to complement the efforts of the executive arm of government in the mundane task of formulating and enacting laws that would be beneficial to sustainable growth and development in the country.
“As a body of committed and dedicated APC members that have served at the grassroots level, we have interacted extensively with Hon Muktar Ahmed Betara on numerous occasions in implementing constituency projects. He is a man of few words but massive action.
Hon Muktar Ahmed Betara is a dedicated party man that has contributed immensely to the growth of the APC as a party.”
The Forum, therefore, urged the ruling party and members-elect to focus on competence, experience, and integrity over zoning.
“We are convinced that Betara is the man for the job. As a result, we endorse Hon Muktar Ahmed Betara for the Speakership of the 10th Assembly.
“We call on other well-meaning groups and individuals to extend their support to the candidature of Hon Muktar Ahmed Betera for the Speakership of the 10th Assembly. He has a rich pedigree; he is a progressive, and chiefly, he is a firm believer in a strong and united Nigeria.”