Says : Aspiration driven by 359 incoming ,returning members
Sola POPOOLA
Frontline contestant for the position of the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu, (OON) has promised to pursue collective interests of members ,if given the mandate to lead them.
Betara made this solemn pledge at the formal declaration of his ambition for the Speakership position .
The colourful event held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Monday was graced by former, serving as well as National Assembly members-elect who thronged the venue in their numbers .
In his speech, Betara declared that “the Speakership voyage is not fuelled by personal ambition rather it is an aspiration in collectivism”
The ranking federal lawmaker therefore expressed his determination to use his wealth of legislative experience to provide quality leadership at the Green Chamber.
Having been elected into the Green Chamber on five different occasions, the speakership hopeful maintained no one else understands the dynamics of the National Assembly better .
“Today is an eventful day for me, especially that after sixteen years, i.e. four terms as Member of the noble House, a journey that started in 2007, and now going into the 5th term as obliged me most graciously by God and my constituents; it has put me in a veritable position to now aspire to the office of Speaker in the House of Representatives.
“I stand most humbly before you – stepping forward to seek your support in the bid for the highest seat in the House of Representatives, that of primus intre pares, (First among equals) the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This is my second bid for this office, having taken a shot at it in the 9th Assembly, but had to yield gladly to the dictates of my Political Party to support the incumbent Speaker, believing that another opportunity will present itself, just as it has providentially come this time.” Betara said
Speaking further Betara said :”this time again, the aspiration is being driven by many compatriots, particularly the 359 newly elected and returning members, who believe that the House of Representatives must head for a new horizon based on, exposure, capacity, competence, commitment, experience and excellence.
“Apart from the incoming members of the House of Representatives, there are other stakeholders and partners in the discharge of our legislative duties: such as the Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the millions of Nigerians who constitute the workforce and backbone of the workings of the National Assembly; including all those who have passed through the portal of the National Assembly, particularly the Green Chamber, one time or the other.”
“In closing, let me still say this, even at the risk of repetition: that in my sixteen years in the House, I have constantly and consistently wound myself around the collective interests of our membership confraternity. I will not deviate from this path of honour. Trust me”
Earlier in his address of welcome entitled “A New Dawn Beckons” , the Director General ,Betara For Speaker Campaign Council, Hon.Dickson Tarkigir said Nigerians were expecting the 10th Assembly to break news grounds and make life more meaningful for their constituents.
The lawmaker cautioned that it would be dangerous,” to assume that just anyone can do the job will be taking a shot in the dark, and that will be failing in our duty. The decision must therefore be made consciously, without fear or favour, or ill will.
He argued further that “It has been said that to know a healthy fish, check the head, this simple test, instructively is not for fishes alone, but will be apposite in our situation today, to realise that the nature of the personality who leads the 10th assembly House of Representatives, will substantially influence us to succeed or otherwise as individual members and corporately as the House of Representatives.
“It then behooves on us to realise that we must ensure that we elect the next speaker with clarity of thought and sufficient information on a number of parameters.”