Washington (CNN)John Boehner, the Ohio Republican who steered his party to an overwhelming House majority in 2010, told colleagues Friday he's stepping down as Speaker and will leave Congress at the end of October.

The abrupt decision comes after he faced heavy pressure from conservatives to take a harder line on their causes, most recently over defunding Planned Parenthood as part of a package that would keep the government open.

Boehner, who has presided over the House since 2011, explained during a closed-door meeting with Republicans Friday morning that he had only planned to serve two terms as speaker but decided to hold onto his post after then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor lost his seat during a primary last year, a Republican lawmaker in the room told CNN.

Boehner, who will speak at a 1 p.m. news conference, also told the lawmakers that Pope Francis' visit to Congress the day before was a crystallizing moment, according to the lawmaker. Boehner then read the prayer of St. Francis to the conference after announcing his decision.

The Ohio Republican's tenure as speaker has been marked by clashes with conservatives -- especially when it comes to fiscal policy. He's struggled to push through legislation to increase the debt ceiling and was facing another showdown next week to keep the government open. The speaker has often relied on Democratic votes during these moments -- a strategy that has infuriated conservatives.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/25/politics/john-boehner-resigning-as-speaker/index.html

... Can this ever happen in Nigeria? No crime, No money stolen.... Just because his Party Base is against him...

Really? Saraki should learn from this

This is someone who knows his worth and has a name to protect.

iffa hear

Saraki please learn!!!

babyfaceafrica:
Saraki please learn!!!

My mind also go there.

Mainstream apc does not want him to be the senate president.