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, as 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 while attempting to board a trip to Abuja, according to reports, and was later freed on bond.

 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.

In Abuja on Wednesday, Doguwa publicly declared his desire to serve as Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, “I want to state clearly at this point that I believe in 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.

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.