Doguwa Denies Viral Drug Use Allegation

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has denied allegations linking him to the use of intoxicating substances following the circulation of a viral image showing his tongue stained blue during a political gathering in Rano.

The image sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some users alleging that the lawmaker had consumed a blue colored substance popularly referred to as “rochi.”

However, speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Doguwa described the claims as false and defamatory, insisting that the blue colour on his tongue was caused by a mint sweet he consumed publicly at the event.

According to him, he regularly takes TomTom mint sweets to manage a persistent cold but was unable to get his preferred brand during the outing.

“I am used to taking TomTom sweet daily because I need the mint flavour to counteract the constant cold I have,” he said.

Doguwa explained that because he was riding on a horse alongside his entourage while dressed in ceremonial attire, he could not carry the mint himself and asked one of his aides to buy it for him.

“So I asked one of my boys to get me TomTom but he couldn’t get it, so he bought me another brand I have never had before but also had mint. It’s called Icemint, so I took it publicly in front of everyone and that is what stained my tongue blue,” he stated.

During the interview, the lawmaker displayed the mint sweet and sucked on it again in an attempt to demonstrate that it indeed turns the tongue blue.

“I have never used this brand before but I will start using it from now on because it was nice, I like it,” Doguwa said while showcasing the sweet.

The lawmaker accused his critics of deliberately spreading false narratives to tarnish his image.

“Of course my enemies were quick to defame me and take it out of context,” he added.

Doguwa further denied using any form of intoxicant, saying controversies surrounding him often spread rapidly because of his public profile.

“I don’t use any intoxicants but every time something has to do with me it spreads like wildfire. I have become like a mortar that they keep hammering on, so I am used to it,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Doguwa said he would not report the matter to the police or seek intervention from the Kano State Government.

Instead, he said he intends to pray against those responsible during his forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

“I won’t lodge any complaint with the police or with the governor. However, I am going on Hajj where Allah promised to answer each of my requests and prayers. I will use that opportunity to curse anyone responsible and God will vindicate me,” he said.