Legislature
10th Speakership: More trouble for APC’s zoning, as Southern Borno group kicks
**Says it is Betara’s turn, he will not step down for any reason
Against the zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that has ceded the speakership position for the 10th House of Representatives to the North West, the Conference of Southern Borno Development Associations have said it is the turn of their son Honorable Muktar Aliyu Betara who they said has paid his dues.
Recall the the ruling party had annoited Tajudeen Abbas as the choice of the party ahead of the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives in June.
A staunch member of the Association Hon Sherif Muhammad Nur who spoke at a press conference addressed in Abuja on Wednesday said Betara
will not step down, adding that it doesn’t matter what the party says, it the members-elect of the House that will nominate and vote for whom they believe is most qualified.
“We do not see any reason for him to be asked to step down, Betara a legislator per excellence, young, he has the intellect and the capacity to lead the 10th House of Assembly
“For the first time Borno will have a Speaker. It doesn’t matter whether the Vice President is from the same zone”
Addressing the Press conference the chairman of the Association Ambassador Dauda Danladi said they were using the Press Conference to demonstrate their total support to Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s aspirations for election as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He said they are also craving the indulgence of the chieftains of the All Progressive Congress (APC), returning and elected new members-elect of the house to give Hon. Betara Aliyu the chance to lead 10thHouse of Representatives.
“10” National Assembly requires a leader with leadership qualities, respect for democratic principles and due process as well as unparalleled commitment and dedication to duty, which Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu has exhibited. He has a high flair for uplifting the standard of living of Nigerians especially those at the grassroots.
“The evidence of the leadership qualities and the milestones Hon. Betara has achieved since he was first elected into the House of Representatives are valid reference points.
“We wish, at this stage, to commend the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, who turned out en-mass to the occasion of the declaration ceremony of Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s aspiration for election as Speaker of the House of Representatives which took place at Transcorp Hotel on Monday, 8 May, 2023.
“We were befuddled by the encomiums poured on the competence, dexterity, acquired institutional knowledge and depth of understanding of the workings of the National Assembly gamered by Hon. Betara Altyu.
“This much was stated by the Deputy Speaker of the House Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase who technically chaired the occasion.
“Other high ranking members of the House who corroborated the Statements by the Deputy Speaker indlude the majority leader Hon. Ado Alhassan Doguwa, Majority Chief Whip of the House, Hon. M.T. Monguno (who is now moving to the Senate) among others who equally expressed strong support for the candidature of Hon. Betara Aliyu as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Because of the approval of his purposeful representation, members of his constituency together with his other well wishers in Bomo State and other parts of the country raised the money required for his nomination form to contest in 2023 elections through Voluntary donations
“We wish to state without any fear of contradiction that the love exhibited to Hon. Betara by people of his constituency Is neither accidental nor overstated. It is a natural response and appreciation of the extent to which he has added value to their lives.
“Indeed, within a decade of his stewardship in the house, Hon. Betara Aliyu has initiated the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes that has put his constituency on the path to rapid social and economic transformation.
“Again, within his short span as member of the House, he has contributed to the development of his constituency in a variety of ways such as urban road network, installation of streets lights, rehabilitation or construction of educational institutions, Primary health care centres, environmental protection, rural electrification, skill acquisition centers, women empowerment, mini stadium, just to mention but a few.
He indicated that Hon Aliyu’s contributions extended beyond his primary constituency to other parts of the country.
“For instance, Hon. Betara initiated the establishment of cancer centers in all the six geo political zones, eight (8) in number which are at various stages of completion, with the one cited at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital already completed and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Hon, Muktar Betara Aliyu is a detribalized Nigerian who is at peace with all men and women of goodwill regardless of their ethnic, tribal, religious or geopolitical backgrounds.
This he said explains why his supporters cut across the diversities that characterize the Nigerian state and further.
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.
He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.
“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“
“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“
He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.
Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.
“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.
Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.
In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.
Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”
The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”
The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.
***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.
The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).
In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.
The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.
The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.
In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.
The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.
The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.
In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.
Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.
He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.
Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.
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