Muktar Betara, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, has announced his intention to run for the position of Speaker of the 10th House in Abuja, despite the ruling All Progressives Congress’ zoning arrangement.
This declaration came amidst the APC’s preference for Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Tajudeen Abass as candidates for Senate President and Speaker for the 10th assembly from the South-south and North West regions, respectively.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase explained that the reason for defying the zoning arrangement was to ensure the parliament’s independence and work together as a team. The leader of the House, Ado Doguwa, added that the parliament must always be allowed to choose its leaders.
Numerous prominent aspirants for the Speaker’s office showed their support for Betara’s candidacy at the event, including outgoing Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources Sada Soli, Niger State Governor-elect Umaru Bago, a serving lawmaker, and elected members from different parties.
