The Guardian (Nigeria)

Biu Emirate, lawmakers want Betara as Reps Speaker

- From Adamu Abuh and Msugh Ityokura, Abuja

AHEAD of next year’s general election, the Biu Emirate, at the weekend, demand the emergence of Mr. Muktar Betara, representi n g Biu/ Bayo/ Kwaya/ Kusar/ Shani Federal Constituen­cy of Borno State, as the next Speaker of the House of Representa­tives.

The Emir of Biu, Alh. Mustapha Umar Mustapha li, disclosed this when he threw his weight behind the re- election of Betara.

Describing Betara, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriat­ions, as wellplaced to succeed Mr. Femi Gbajabiami­la in the 10th Assembly, in view of his experience as a lawmaker, the monarch applauded him for attracting developmen­tal projects to his constituen­cy.

According to him, in just one year, Biu witnessed massive positive transforma­tion due to the lawmaker’s interventi­on.

Senator Haliru Jika ( Bauchi Central) described the gesture as well- deserved honour.

“We have come to identify with our friend, brother and colleague, Betara, for the honour done to him by the entire people of Biu Local Council and his constituen­cy at large. So the four local councils are here to honour their son for what he has been doing for his constituen­cy.

“What we have seen today is unbelievab­le and is history in the making. The Emir blessed him and prayed for him as a father of this area. The monarch said, in his lifetime, he had never experience­d such rapid developmen­t in Biu until Betara’a time as House of Representa­tives member. We hope to achieve more when he becomes the Speaker of the 10th House of Representa­tives,” Jika said.

Also, Ahmadu Jaha, representi­ng Damboa/ Gwoza/ Chibok Federal Constituen­cy of Borno, declared his support for Betara’s re- election and to emerge the next Speaker.

He said: “I was confused when I saw the number of contributo­rs to Betara’s election form. They started with N10 million; but at the end of the day, they generated more than N120 million. What is surprising is that some people even contribute­d as little as N20. This would tell you that they contribute­d their widow’s mite just for Betara to return to the National Assembly.”

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