Alhasan Doguwa, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, responded to his detractors on Wednesday by stating that anyone who can handle four marriages and 28 children, like he can, can aspire to be the Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
The legislator, who is now being tried on allegations of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a handgun, mischief, and public disturbance, also made the case that his trial shouldn’t prevent him from becoming Speaker because he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Doguwa was detained on February 28, 2023, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Abuja. He was later released on bail.
He was previously wanted by the police when he was accused of leading thugs who assaulted and set fire to the New Nigeria People’s Party office in Tudun Wada, where two other individuals perished in the fire while collating election results.
Additionally, Alhassan was charged with murder and other offences after the raid on the NNPP Tudun Wada Office.
After being charged, he entered a not guilty plea and was granted bail after being arraigned.
On Wednesday, while formarly declaring his ambition to become the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, in Abuja, Doguwa said, “I want to state clearly at this point that I believe in the the legal principle of presumption of innocence until one is proven guilty. Conversely, it does not stop me whatsoever to vie for a position I know that I eminently qualify for.
“I want my colleagues and Nigerians to join me in prayers so that, by God’s grace, we will get to know the truth of the matter. At one point, I was distressed knowing that a guilty man who was charged with a case like this would not have gone for a supplementary election and won the way and manner I did,” Doguwa said.
He also dismissed the claim by his critics that he lacks the temperament to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, saying those trying to portray him in bad light probably misconstrued his attitude.
He said, “Even as Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, I did not exhibit any high temperament. For those who refer to me as a high-level temperamental person, they have misconceived Ado Doguwa, the man who has four wives and 28 children. I have never had a divorce. That shows I have what it takes to excel as the next Speaker. I will be a carpet for Nigerians to march or walk on.
“As a politician, I want to believe that every man is a political animal. And he could be subjected to one disposition or the other. The issue of temperament is about perception. What someone may perceive as high temperament, another will perceive otherwise.
“But for someone like me, who has been in the parliament right from July 4, 1992 to date, I have successfully secured the mandate of my people. But for time, I would have brought to you my seven different rates of return certificate to show to you my track record.”
