Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has joined the race to become the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.
Doguwa disclosed this in a letter of intent sent to members-elect, thereby increasing the number of reps eyeing the Speakership position in the 10th Assembly to 11.
Other aspirants include Deputy Speaker Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), Ben Kalu (APC, Abia), Muktar Betara (APC, Borno), Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), Tunji Olawuyi (APC, Kwara) and Abubakar Makki (APC, Jigawa).
Others are Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Tajudeen Abbas (APC, Kaduna), Aminu Jaji (APC, Zamfara), and Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo).
The lawmaker, who represents Doguwa /Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, said his desire to become the Speaker was fueled by his 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.
”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.
”Thank you, and congratulations again, as I look forward to seeing you at the National Assembly.”