Speakership race: Rep-elect predicts victory for Betara
Ericjames Ochigbo
A member-elect of the House of Representatives, Dr. Midala Balami has predicted victory for Rep. Muktar Betara (APC-Borno) will emerge speaker of the 10th Assembly.
Balami made this known in a statement issued after the 76th General Church Council (GCC) Majalisa 2023 of the Eklisiyar Yan Uwa a Nigerian (EYN) where he and four others were honoured for their victory at the 2023 polls.
The rep-elect who predicted victory for Betera described him as a broad-minded, down to earth and the most cosmopolitan progressive ranking member.
According to him, if election is a game of numbers, then the victory of Betara is a concluded issue.
Balami who is to represent Askira Uba/ Hawul federal constituency in the 10th Assembly said Betara enjoyed a cult like followerhip from both the new members elect and the ranking members.
“Without hedging or the fear of contradiction, I stand here today to reveal to you that God’s willing, Betara is our next speaker.
“I am telling you for a fact that no one stands a chance against Betara as far as election is concerned.
“He is also a rallying force, a bridge builder, and the most reliable pillar upon which the unity and stability of the house rest. He is one man whose primary concern is the unity and development of Nigeria.
“He treats people fairly and with dignity without recourse to their class, creed or social status. He is the most detribalised and urbane leader in the house. That is why he is the candidate to beat in the next election,” he said.
Balami who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the zoning of parliamentary offices by the All Progressive Congress (APC) is alien to the Constitution and against the independence of the legislature.
According to him, that action does not resonate with me and when I consulted with my people, they unanimously rejected the approach.
The member-elect said that the legislature can only be independent when it is allowed to elect a leadership that will pilot its affairs without interference.
