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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has explained why he endorsed Tajudeen Abbas for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives against Muktar Aliyu Betara, an aspirant from Borno State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) had picked Abbas from Kaduna State and Benjamin Kalu from Abia State as preferred candidates for the position of Speaker and deputy.
Betara represents Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State in the Green Chamber.
He belongs to the camp of G-7, aggrieved speakership aspirants protesting the zoning arrangement of the party.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Abbas and Kalu in Abuja on Monday, Zulum said he endorsed their candidacy to align with APC’s position.
“As people from Borno, we would have been very happy and proud to have both the VP and Speaker. But since the party and president-elect have endorsed you, in sha Allah, you will be the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
The governor urged them to extend hands of fellowship to other aspirants seeking the same position.
The team also visited Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Simon Lalong of Plateau State.
The governors advised them to provide an all-inclusive leadership if they emerge as presiding officers in the House of Representatives.
“I have two of my own (lawmakers from Plateau) that also indicated interest. But I granted you audience to see you. And I saw you. When I said I saw you, you know what I mean. But if you become the Speaker and deputy, look at some of our interests too in the North Central Zone,” Lalong said.