More than 100 former legislators from the North Central geopolitical zone have called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, to withdraw his candidacy for the 10th National Assembly Speaker.
TrackNews reports that the Caucus has also asked Wase to endorse Muktar Aliyu Betara from Borno State for the position.
In a statement signed by its president, Bala Adamu, the Caucus stated that it arrived at this decision after extensive consultations with critical stakeholders across the region. While acknowledging Wase’s contributions to the nation during the 9th Assembly, Adamu noted that Nigeria needs fresh ideas, competence, and purposeful leadership to move forward.
According to Adamu, Betara is better positioned, well-equipped, and experienced to provide stable leadership in the 10th Assembly. He also pointed out that Betara has national appeal and is widely accepted by a majority of the old and returning members.
The Caucus emphasised that its decision was not based on any personal grievances or political affiliations but on the best interests of the country. They urged Wase to put aside his ambition and support Betara’s candidacy for the benefit of Nigeria.
“We are grateful to God for the peaceful conduct of the general elections and the emergence of new leaders to pilot the affairs of this country,” Adamu said.
“On May 29, a new Nigeria will emerge. We are confident that the administration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will bring peace and prosperity to the nation. As critical stakeholders, we believe the choice of leadership of the 10th Assembly will be pivotal toward the better nation we envisage.
“Thus, we want the best possible hands at all levels with fresh ideas. We are not one of those proponents of zoning as we believe competence should be a top priority.
“A lot of lawmakers have shown interest in the position of Speaker, one of which is our proud son, Idris Wase. As Deputy Speaker, Wase contributed his quota to the growth and progress of the nation. However, we think that Nigeria needs a reset in leadership and Wase doesn’t fit in.
“As former lawmakers ourselves, we have a man best suited for the job. A man who is experienced, widely accepted, and competent with fresh ideas to move the nation forward. He is Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara representing Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State.
“Betara epitomizes hard work, diligence, and integrity. He is almost without blemish and excelled in all tasks assigned to him since 2007. Betara is in touch with the grassroots. He has done what many of his contemporaries would only have imagined.
“After due consultation with other stakeholders across the North Central, we have therefore taken the bold step to throw our weight behind Betara. We are calling on Wase to do likewise for the sake of posterity.
“We want to also call on other caucuses from different regions to support this patriotic and detribalized Nigerian. A new and prosperous 10th Assembly beckons with Betara”.
