Despite facing homicide charges at the Federal High Court, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, has joined the speakership race of the 10th House of Representatives.
Recall that on February 28, Mr Doguwa was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while boarding a flight to Abuja over alleged killing of two persons while leading thugs to set ablaze the secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in Kano State.
The lawmaker was subsequently arraigned before a Kano Magistrate court on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, mischief, and public disturbance.
Mr Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, was, however, granted bail by a Federal High Court in Kano.
Disclosing his interest to vie for the speakership position, in a letter sent to House of Representatives members-elect, Mr Doguwa said he joined the race out of his desire and passion for nation building.
The letter reads: “I am delighted to congratulate you on your election to the 10th Nigerian National Assembly.
“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”.
While appealing to the lawmakers-elect “to discard biases that could hinder our collective efforts in this representation”, Mr Doguwa vowed to use his vast legislative experience and patriotic zeal to carry everyone along.
“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.
“The road to national transformation is not easy, which is why I will use my vast “legislative experience and patriotic zeal” for all representations within the House of Representatives. Nigeria needs brave leaders whose doggedness can help reduce the myriad of challenges; I am sure we can achieve this with you on board,” he added.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mr Doguwa’s entry into the race has now increased the number of aspirants to 11.
Other aspirants who indicated interest in the number four seat of the country include deputy speaker Idris Wase, Ben Kalu, Muktar Betera, Sada Soli, Tunji Olawuyi, Abubakar Makki, Yusuf Gagdi, Tajudeen Abbas, Aminu Jaji, and Miriam Onuoha.
