Alhassan Doguwa, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, has announced his intention to run for the position of Speaker in the upcoming 10th National Assembly, despite facing ongoing murder charges.
In a letter addressed to members-lect, the lawmaker representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency in Kano, explained his decision to contest for the speakership, citing his passion for nation-building as the driving force behind his desire to lead.
“The call to leadership is one laced with responsibilities and unalloyed commitment to the commonwealth of Nigerians expressed through a unanimous ballot casting which led to your victories in your various states,” the letter reads.
“The journey to nation-building has commenced and we are here once again to steer the ship where the collective voices of the Nigerian people whose trust has been vested in us, have been total to an admirable end.
“I want to use this opportunity to communicate my desire to contest for the office of the Speaker of the House. My passion for nation-building has fueled my desire to seek this office at this critical time when various divergent views of governance exist in different zones in the nation.
“Now is the time to align all our interests, aspirations, and trust to work together for the common good of Nigerians. At the same time, discard ethnic, geographical, religious, or political bias that could hinder our collective efforts in this representation.
“As we look forward to formulating impactful policies for the growth of our nation, I implore us all to bear in mind that all back home will see the results of our stay at the Assembly, thus the need to come together to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.”
Doguwa, who has served four terms in the House of Representatives, is currently facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, mischief, and public disturbance.
He was arrested in February at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while boarding a flight to Abuja, on allegations that he led thugs to set ablaze the secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, with two people feared dead.
Doguwa has denied any wrongdoing, but was subsequently arraigned in March at a magistrate court in Kano and was remanded in prison.
After a few days in prison, he was granted bail in the sum of N500 million by a federal high court.
