THE Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa, has declared his intention to become the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.
Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, was reelected during the recently concluded general elections.
He made his intention to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives known in a letter addressed to members-lect, on Sunday, April 30.
The lawmaker explained that his interest in the position was borne out of his passion for nation-building.
Doguwa is currently undergoing a murder trial after he allegedly shot some persons dead and ordered the burning of a New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) office during the election.
According to residents and survivors who spoke to The ICIR, some members of the NNPP were caught in a fire attack by political thugs while the collation of results was ongoing on Sunday, February 26.
The NNPP office located in Sabon Gari Ward was set ablaze, resulting in multiple fatalities and burns while some residents were also shot dead.
Eyewitnesses and survivors of the attack had accused Doguwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the poll, of sponsoring the attack and called on the National Human Rights Commission and relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
Following the allegation, Doguwa was subsequently arrested and charged to court, after which a federal high court in Kano granted him bail of N500 million with two sureties.
However, despite the allegation of murder hanging on his neck, Doguwa has expressed his intention to become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
Parts of the letter he addressed to members-elect read: “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 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.”
Reactions trail Doguwa’s declaration
Some concerned Nigerians have expressed concern on social media over Doguwa’s declaration.
While many expressed displeasure over the development, some felt he is one of the few deserving persons to lead the 10th Assembly.
Onuoha Ebere wrote on Twitter: “Murder case on his neck and he is vying for speakership position. We are really playing in this Country.”
@Emmybage2 said “Someone who supposed to be in jail for killing innocent Nigerians, is here contesting for leadership of the national assembly.”
Another tweep, Black Budafly tweeted that she deserves a better leader at both the executive and legislative arms of government.
She wrote: “Nigeria!!! “President-elect” and his vp, horrible allegations. Akpabio and OUK, horrible allegations. Now Ado Doguwa, horrible allegations. As a Nigerian, I deserve better leaders at the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government.”
Another tweep argued that Doguwa has the right to contest since he has not been convicted.
“On trial u said. Well he is not convicted yet and if his constituents voted him. What exactly is your headache about that? Besides, I think immunity clause never covers members of legislative house. So boy go and rest. If he is find guilty he will go for it but for now nothing yet.”
Mujahid Ahmad explained that Doguwa possesses leadership characteristics and should be allowed to vie for the seat.
“Despite his shortcomings, I believe he’s more eligible than that Wase guy. Doguwa get brains, finesse and ruthlessness. That’s all it takes for one to get to a speaker seat.”
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M