New revelations have emerged regarding a covert scheme by certain influential members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at intimidating and potentially arresting Hon. Aliyu Betara and Senator-elect Abdulaziz Yari.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Jibril Mohammed, Chairman of the Northern Alliance For Democracy (NAD), has sounded the alarm over the employment of undemocratic tactics to thwart the aspirations of Betara and Yari.
In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, Mohammed expressed deep concern regarding the plans hatched by select APC leaders to employ intimidation, threats, and possible legal action against the duo.
He pointed out that Betara, the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations in the 9th House of Representatives, and Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, fearlessly opposed the zoning arrangements of the APC regarding leadership positions within the legislature.
According to Mohammed, both Betara and Yari have actively campaigned to secure the positions of Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President, respectively, garnering support from their colleagues.
However, according to him, credible sources within the ruling party have revealed that influential figures within the APC’s leadership are determined to exploit institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Security (DSS), and the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to press baseless charges, summon, and intimidate Betara and Yari in an attempt to obstruct their political ambitions.
Mohammed highlighted that the supposed offence committed by Betara and Yari is merely advocating for the APC to adhere to constitutional provisions, allowing members of the National Assembly to elect their leaders.
Expressing his concerns further, Mohammed emphasised that the recurrent practice of ruling parties handpicking National Assembly leaders undermines the autonomy and integrity of the legislature, posing a substantial threat to democracy.
He cited past instances, including the crises witnessed during the 4th Senate from 1999 to 2003 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as the unsuccessful attempt by the APC to impose a Senate President in the 8th Senate, which eroded trust and confidence between the 8th National Assembly and the presidency.
