Anytime the name Betara is mentioned, one word stands out and echoes in the heart – IMPACT!
Honourable Muktar Betara Aliyu’s love, passion, and compassion for people are just a few of the unique qualities of leadership that have been revealed about him by several researchers, journalists and supporters of democracy.
He has high respect for everyone, which is one of his most illustrious qualities. Other characteristics include his lightness and humour. I read a text by Betara on his handles: “For days, we have been traversing every nook and cranny of my constituency with my team, as we provide succour to my people. So far, we have covered every ward in three LGAs of Bayo, Kwaya Kusar and Shani respectively, and we will do the same in Biu.
“The joy these outreaches bring to me is beyond measure, as I receive graphic reports and watch the testimonies from the beneficiaries in each community. There’s no greater joy that we consistently keep the smiles and hopes on the faces of our dear people.
“Care and impact to me is beyond just politics, it is being human; to truly feel what others feel. Together we are achieving great things-the work we do matters, but most definitely the lives of every constituents matters more. Keeping together is progress. Impact first!”
Since Betara took office to represent his people in 2007, everyone familiar with his leadership can attest to a rapid change in the long-established paradigm in the political space. He has changed the game and setting precedents that have allowed democracy to thrive. The display of admiration by his people has inspired many to this gentleman, especially how he earns such love, respect and seamless appreciation from his people.
Over the years I have always made this part very clear, that, it is in my nature to write articles that differentiate facts from fiction, in an effort to correct roguish authors and protect the people, which I feel is the role of every right-thinking citizen. It’s never in my nature to debate or exchange words with such on-the-dole writers roaring, seeking who to devour and begging for a plate of stew on their tables by the highest bidders, at the expense of their sanity and conscience.
From the many testimonies I have gathered from constituents, through the palliative programmes by Betara to his people, especially in 2023 and ongoing, the record must be set straight, that this has been his style of leadership from day one. His gestures are purely democratic. He has been on this mission long before many individuals considered becoming politicians, and we don’t see him giving up on such a model of legacy just because others do it for the cameras and the audience’s cheers.
The numbers have shown that empowerment programmes have been running every two weeks since 2007 when Betara won his constituencies. He has a track record of hard work, determination and commitment to any goal he sets, primarily in improving the livelihood of his people. He is a democrat and pivot of mass mobilisation; a man who achieves greatness through diligence, self-will and sheer determination. Thus, he has over the years mobilised and fashioned a system of awareness for the good people of Southern Borno that has built the reassurance for a transparent, selfless, unbiased leadership, irrespective of religion, gender and ethnicity.
Most of Betara’s vision and initiatives are geared towards a commitment to the strategic objectives of the needs and culture of his people. He has shown the boldness to consider unusual approaches to problems affecting his region, and these styles have been more than just following tried-and-true methods. He is preoccupied with purposes and values, morals, and ethics. His leadership style focuses on long-term goals without compromising human values and principles. He has stated over and again, that he will focus more on missions and strategies, supports structures and systems that will reinforce policies, and maximise efficiency; guided by the fundamental principle of democracy, probity, transparency and accountability.
Like it or not, Borno state has many good politicians, as I made clear in my earlier articles, but no one can dispute the fact that Betara stands out while others struggle to fit in, leads while others follow, and finds ultimate fulfilment in the welfare of his people. He has become the first for his people because much of his influence in his constituency also happens to be the first that we are aware of.
When it comes to solar lighting in our region, Betara was the first to put them in; when it comes to tiled roads in the most rural parts of Borno south, Betara was the first to change that narrative; on portable water in many rural areas, Betara was the first to provide that to our people; on the first mini-standard stadiums in Borno south’s history, Betara made that possible; on mechanised farming, Betara made that a reality; on standard police stations in Borno south, Betara made them possible and the list goes on. If these are facts of the first with Betara’s impact, we as a people won’t be wrong to make him our first. He has given us most of our first experiences in many things, and we have made him our first in one thing, our first and trusted leader.
Betara, OON has become a beacon of hope to many homes, wards, cities, local government areas, states and the nation because he has married his lifestyle to the saying, I have reached a rank where all men honour me, but I understand honour comes from service.
Regarding those ridiculous and shredded articles that claim Betaras’ good deeds in 2023 were done in competition—including distributing food during Sallah, cash donations, fertilisers and other approved farm inputs, and travelling around with his team to distribute trailers of food and cash—I suggest that such dimwits read some history to avoid getting it twisted and falling for the do-or-die people in politics.
A leader in need is a leader indeed.
Adams Ayuba Mshelia,
Abuja
