The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhasan Doguwa, on Wednesday hit back at his critics, stressing that any leader who can manage four wives and 28 children like him can aspire to become the Speaker of the 10^th Assembly.

The lawmaker, who is currently facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, mischief, and public disturbance, also argued that his trial should not stop him from becoming Speaker because if he is innocent until otherwise proven.

The PUNCH reported that Doguwa was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 28, 2023, while boarding a flight to Abuja and has since been released on bail.

The police had earlier been on his trail after he was accused of leading thugs, who attacked and set on fire the office of the New Nigeria People’s Party at Tudun Wada, where two people were also burnt to death during the collation of results of the just concluded elections.

Also Alhassan was accused of shooting to death and injuring others during the raid on the NNPP Tudun Wada Office.

He was subsequently arraigned, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and was released on bail.

On Wednesday, while formarly declaring his ambition to become the Speaker of the 10^th 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.” (The PUNCH)

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