The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has described the mace snatching incident in the National Assembly on Wednesday as a clear manifestation that all is not well with the nation’s democracy.
Secondus made this remark on Thursday while addressing an Emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja.
His words: “The situation in our country is very disturbing as the ruling APC has continued to show in all ramifications that it lacks the wherewithal to manage this country.
“The ugly incident in the nation’s Senate on Wednesday 18th April, 2018 more than anything else underscores the fact that our democracy is seriously under threat.
“Nigerians and international community watched horrified as the spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Support Group in the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agage led thugs into the hallowed chambers of the nation’s Senate to steal the mace the authority of the Senate and kidnapped a Senator.
“That these hoodlums passed through all the security checks and majestically worked into the chambers to cause such havoc leaves much to chew to all discerning minds.
“As the President and APC leaders globe throttle meeting world leaders the legislative arm of the government, in fact the main symbol of democracy, the legislature, is being vandalised by agents sponsored by the government.
“What happened in the Senate yesterday is a clear assault on democracy, a coup against the legislature and should not only be condemned but those responsible should be tried for treason as demanded by the law.”
He said the latest development, coupled with different cases of brazen invasion of homes and farms by killer herdsmen among others made it important for the PDP to rescue the nation from the All Progressives Congress-led government.
Secondus also complained about the statements credited to President Muhammadu Buhari in which he was said to have berated Nigerian youths.
He said contrary to the claim by Buhari, Nigerian youths were not lazy but resourceful.
READ ALSO: NGE condemns mace snatching, says it is injurious to democracy
He pointed out that in order to remove the current leadership in the country, it was necessary for all hands to be on deck.
He said as the leading opposition party, it had become necessary for PDP to take it upon itself to broaden its scope, open its doors and allow ideas to flow in for a more robust democratic development.
“We therefore, invite our brother, sister, youths and women from other political parties in this platform to join us to rescue our country that is in distress, socially, politically, economically and security wise.
“In this country today over 3.1m citizens are languishing in various IDPs across the country yet we are not at war with any country.
“Our consultations have taken us to meet with various interest groups who are willing to do business with us and I can report to you that it has been very fruitful.
“We expect in coming days to have a broader political family working dedicatedly to rescue this democracy and our beloved country from the hands of APC,” he said.
