Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress not to intimidate the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for performing their duties during the inauguration of the National Assembly.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said “It is a clear mark of disrespect to the constitution for the president and his party to fix a meeting for him to address their legislators the same time he had directed the assembly to be inaugurated in line with the constitution.
“For 16 years that PDP nurtured democracy in this country, there was never a day it attempted to arm-twist or intimidate the bureaucracy of the National Assembly to do its bidding given our recognition and respect for the independence and sanctity of the legislative arm.
“The National Assembly is the citadel of democracy and represents the collective voice of all Nigerians. The PDP, even in opposition, will continue to protect its sanctity and would therefore resist any attempt by the APC to undermine its independence and those of other democratic institutions in our country.
“By the last minute attempt to shift the inauguration time for party interest, the president violates his presidential oath to defend the constitution and serve the nation without fear or favour and irrespective of party, religion and tribe, as he did not consider the interests of other political parties and the generality of Nigerians.
“From March 28 to June 9, the APC had about 74 days within which it isexpected to put its house in order and present its leaders for the eighth National Assembly, but it could not because of the greed and selfishness of its so-called godfathers who instead, chose to fix their party meeting the same time the president scheduled for the inauguration of the National Assembly.”
The Party added that APC should apologise to all Nigerians for the embarrassment they have caused the nation.