A poll conducted by Parliarment Inc has spotlighted Aliyu Muktar Betara, a member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar of Borno State as the lawmaker fit to take over the speakership position from Femi Gbajabiamila.
Batera doubles as Chairman House Committee on Appropriations.
The organisation in a statement on Friday, said the Borno lawmaker was the overwhelming choice of his colleagues for the job based on the opinion poll conducted.
One hundred and seventy-eight out of 200 members of the parliament members interviewed, voted in favour of Betara while 10 votes were split among Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Tajudeen Abbas, and Yusuf Gagdi, as the remaining aspirants got zero.
The poll added that two lawmakers were either undecided or refused to respond to the survey.
Part of the statement read: “Aliyu Muktar Betara, the lawmaker Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency emerged top of our poll for the Speakership by a wide margin.
“Most of the respondents, who are members-elect voted in his favour because of three key reasons. They believe Betara is competent and merits the job owing to his rich pedigree and track record.
“Others reckon his wealth of experience and exposure as a five-timer will be crucial in the 10th National Assembly.
“None of the respondents mentioned zoning as their criteria, noting that ethnicity, tribe or religion shouldn’t be the primary consideration for the position.”
Most lawmakers see the Borno lawmaker as a round peg in a round hole who can move the country forward.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
