The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has placed the blame for the lingering leadership crisis rocking the National Assembly at the doorsteps of President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The House of Representatives plenary session had on Thursday degenerated into a free-for-all fight as the lawmakers struggled for the principal positions in House.

PDP in a statement issued today in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that Buhari is responsible for the ugly situation as he lacks the democratic credentials to put a rein on his party. The party described the disagreement and violent reactions as a subject of a script orchestrated and acted by some members of the APC.

According to the erstwhile ruling party, “The continued confusion in the APC-led government is a confirmation … 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 centre.”

Continuing, it said: “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.

“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.”

PDP, however, singled out the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, for commendation.

They acknowledged his comportment and “statesman-like remarks” after the rowdy incident, urging him to continue to display maturity and not yield any ground in his duties to protect the independence of the legislature.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows President Buhari.