Borno State Constituents endorse re-election of Lawmaker, Muktar Betara

The re-election bid of the member representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya-Kusar/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State, Muktar Betara, received a boost on Saturday as a mammoth crowd of his constituents converged to declare their support and endorsement for his ambition.

Betara was accompanied by some of his colleagues from the National Assembly, including Senator Haliru Dauda Jika from Bauchi State Representative, Umar Bago, Niger State Representative, Ahmed Jaha, Borno Representative and Kabir Tukura from Kebbi State, among others who all hailed the lawmakers performance, and were overwhelmed with the crowd.

The visit also witnessed a display of placards, solidarity songs and endorsements by the constituents. One constituent who spoke to journalists said an unprecedented crowd usually occasions the lawmaker’s visit.

“The crowd will not allow him to come out of the car when he comes here because they all want to touch him.

“Bobi (Betara) is our son, we love him so much, that’s why he has no opposition in the Constituency, no one can beat his performance,” he said.

Betara, who received the nomination form purchased for him by his constituents, was also endorsed by the Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Biu, for positively transforming the lives of his people.

Speaking when the lawmaker visited his palace to present the nomination form to him, Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II described the support for Betara as unprecedented.

He said it was the first time constituents contributed money to buy a form for a politician in appreciation of the positive impact made on their lives.

“Betara had done so much for the community.

“In one year, Biu had witnessed massive positive transformation because of the lawmaker’s intervention and same to Kwaya-Kusar, Bayo and Shani Local Governments of the Constituency,” the Emir added.

The Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Senator Haliru Jika, described the gesture as a well-deserved honour.

Senator Jika said, “As you can see, we identify with our friend, brother and colleague, Hon. Betara for the honour done to him by the entire people, the community of Biu local government and his constituency at large.

“So the entire four local governments are here to honour their son for what he has been doing for his constituency.”  

Also, the member representing the Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, Ahmadu Jaha, declared his support for Betara’s re-election to emerge the next speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

He said, “We have seen one of the world’s wonders.

“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time I have ever seen this kind of crowd and this kind of honour given to somebody as an individual.

“I was confused when I saw the number of contributors to Betara to buy his forms.” 

The member representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House, Umar Bago, said the support was well deserved.

“We say congratulations to Betara; he has done so much for them, and the people appreciate it.

This is what we call democracy and humanity. Betara has given back to society and transformed this beautiful ancient city into a contemporary city,” Bago added.

Betara, who was elected into the House of Representatives in 2007, served as the Chairman House Committee on Army in the 7th Assembly; Chairman House Committee on Defence in the 8th Assembly, and currently Chairman House Committee on Appropriations.

E/Suzan O.