by our correspondent
Emerging reports indicate that powers that be within the ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are planning to use some security agencies to scuttle the chances of former Zamfara State Governor – Abdulaziz Yari and Hon. Aliyu Betara as Senate President and Speaker respectively in the 10th National Assembly.
According to sources close to the ruling party, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Department of State Security, DSS and the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, are being sponsored to stop the duo who appear to be the most popular for the job among their colleagues. Both Senator -elect Former Governor Yari and Rt Hon Betara appear to have over whelming support among the elected members of the National Assembly for the 10th National Assembly especially the old timers in the senate and house of Representatives respectively.
In May last year, operatives of the EFCC arrested former Imo State State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, a move he claimed was aimed at quashing his presidential ambition.
Okorocha was arrested and released on the eve of the APC presidential primaries after been granted bail by Justice Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja.
While Yari is a first time Senator-elect, as well as a former member of the House of Representatives, is also considered by the Rules to be a ranking member of the national Assembly by the Senate Rules of 2022. Rt Hon Betara, is also, a Member Representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State, has been in the Green Chambers since 2007.
Betara is a ranking Member of the House and a renowned philanthropist. Besides the1999 Constitution (as amened) only stipulate that both the Senate and the House of Representatives shall elect among themselves the president of the Senate ,Deputy President of Senate ,and the Speaker/ Deputy Speaker respectively.
Rt Hon Betara’s stellar performance saw him head the following committees: Appropriations Committee until May 2023; Defence Committee (Reps); Army Committee (Reps); Committee Member at Public Accounts Committee (Reps); Committee Member at Special Duties Committee (Reps).
In an Application filed by Yari before the Federal High Court Abuja, against the DSS, EFCC, ICPC and Inspector General of Police, Yari alleged threats of arrest and detention by these agencies.
The former governor thus sought an Injunction Order restraining the agencies from arresting, detaining him, and interfering in his legislative duties in the 10th National Assembly.
