The PDP has said that the disgraceful act is a direct consequence of President Buhari’s lack of democratic credentials to rein in his party to respect the independence and sanctity of the legislative arm of government, which it described as “the very citadel of democracy, as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the fracas today by disgruntled APC members in the House of Representatives, as a show of shame and national embarrassment, adding that the APC lawmakers ostensibly acted on instructions from the Presidency.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the Party said the ugly development brings President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress’ commitment to democracy, unity, and the stability of the country to question.
The PDP said the disgraceful act is a direct consequence of President Buhari’s lack of democratic credentials to rein in his party to respect the independence and sanctity of the legislative arm of government, which it described as “the very citadel of democracy, as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.”
“The barbaric attempt to physically assault a duly elected Speaker, seize the mace, the authority of the House, is a direct attack on the Nigerian parliament which embodies the supremacy of the people and our freedom as a democratic nation” the PDP said.
Metuh further noted that what Nigerians witnessed in the House on Thursday clearly underscores the fact that the APC has exhausted its excuses and has now imported its internal contradictions into an independent arm of government as a way to further cover its lack of ideas for governance.
The PDP said intelligence available to it shows that “the brawling APC lawmakers ostensibly acted on instructions from the Presidency, an obvious indication that President Buhari is largely an interested party whose involvement is beyond mere body language”.
“We state unequivocally that the onus lies on President Buhari to ensure that all democratic institutions are harnessed for effectiveness, a responsibility he has apparently abdicated by allowing his personal interest to instigate division in the parliament, a tendency that poses great threat to the survival of our democracy and the stability of the nation”.
The PDP said the continued confusion in the APC-led government is a confirmation of its earlier stand that the APC lacks the capacity and democratic discipline to effectively steer the ship of the nation and face the challenges of governance at the center.
“If a party that has since March 28, 2015 when it got its victory, about 90 days ago, cannot resolve a basic issue of selecting its leadership in the National Assembly, clearly, their competence for national governance comes to question”, Metuh added.
The PDP applauded Speaker Yakubu Dogara for his comportment, especially his statesman-like remarks after the unfortunate incident. They urged him to continue to display maturity and not yield any ground in his duties to protect the independence of the legislature.
It commended all its members, past and present in the House for their maturity and dignifying conduct in line with the ideals of its founding fathers on democracy built on peace and unity
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