The diatribe against Hon. Betara

As a constituent and resident of Biu, I am worried with an emerging development in the social media over a group or, someone’s claim of so-called, under representation; of the constituency by Hon. Mukhtari Betara, member representing Biu/Kwaya/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency in Borno State. It amounts to gross self-insubordination and clueless conspiracy to sit by and […]

As a constituent and resident of Biu, I am worried with an emerging development in the social media over a group or, someone’s claim of so-called, under representation; of the constituency by Hon. Mukhtari Betara, member representing Biu/Kwaya/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency in Borno State. It amounts to gross self-insubordination and clueless conspiracy to sit by and watch the author trading preposterous, malevolent, absurd and incongruous barrage of lies to discredit a gentleman who has done his people a great pride and service.

The constituency is dotted with physical verifiable evidence of tangible projects executed by Betara in his sojourn of representing the people of the four local government areas. To mention but a few, he constructed boreholes in several communities, renovated primary schools with the latest count at Biu central and Bariki primary schools.

It is an undoubted fact that, the legislator secured employment opportunities to hundreds of youth in his constituency especially in the army, universities and other federal government agencies. He also paid tuition fees to hundreds of students who secured admission into tertiary institutions across the country.

To the best of my knowledge, the member remains the only public figure including those outside government in the four local government areas who had found unflinching passion in offsetting medical bills of sick persons without recourse to religious, ethnic or political backgrounds. What more do we need in a leader?

Now, to the argument that he failed to sponsor bills and, especially the reconstruction of the Biu-Gombe federal highway. Yes, as constituents, we can ask questions and proffer suggestions on issues that will add value to our lives. No living soul has the monopoly of knowledge and therefore, engagements in constructive criticism that will offer us opportunities to move forward as a people will always be a good idea. On the other hand, outright lies, deliberate mischief and distortions, unfair, unsavory and uncharitable remarks such as "he has never done anything good"  are deceptive, misleading and discouraging for leaders to continue with good works because, they may feel their efforts are never appreciated.

Let me state without fear of contradiction that I can bet with my life that given the opportunity for the people of the constituency to choose between Hon. Betara sponsoring 100 bills and his support programmes, I am sure they will go for the support progammes without a second thought.

It is a fact that the Biu-Gombe road has been reduced to death trap but the reconstruction of the road falls within the jurisdiction of the executive arm of government. We can neither hold Senator, Ali Ndume or Rep. Mukhtari Betara responsible for the failure of government to rebuild the road. However, we can advise them to go for intensive lobbying for the reconstruction of the road and the Biu dam project. I think the sons and perhaps daughters of the emirate with friends and connections in the federal ministry of works can also join in the lobby drive for rebuilding the road and of course, the economically viable Biu dam project.

It is quite amazing seeing postings on the social media by unsolicited complainants in Biu on behalf of the people of Kwaya, Bayo and Shani even when the electorates never complained but rather, appreciate the great support provided by the legislator. In fact, to put the records straight, it was for the support and resilience of Bayo, Kwaya and Shani local government areas that provided smooth sail for Mukhtari Betara in the 2015 elections owing to challenges right inside Biu.

Muhammad Luqman Muhammad, Biu, Borno State.