The National Working Committee (NWC), of the Peoples Democratic Party has handed, what appears to be a tall order to the Nigerian police over the fracas that led to the shutdown of the National Assembly on 20 November.

At the heart of the rumpus was the Inspector General of Police who brought policemen to the Assembly to block the entrance of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

The Senate President has already summoned the IG to appear before it to offer explanations on what happened.

•Metuh: wants police probe themselves

But now the PDP wants the IG institute another probe to investigate the circumstances that led to the fracas: a clear case of turning the police, an accused in the matter, an investigator!

According to a statement by Mr Olisa Metuh, the party`s National Publicity Secretary, the PDP NWC said the call had become necessary in the light of accusations and counter accusations over the unfortunate incident that led to the shutdown of the National Assembly.

It charged the Inspector General of Police to unravel the fact of the incident within the next 72 hours.

According to the statement, the sanctity of the National Assembly as an arm of government and citadel of democracy must be upheld at all times.

“The matter should not be shrouded in controversy, sinister plots and mundane accusations”.

It, however, acknowledged that security agencies, within their constitutional powers, could search individuals due to the country`s security challenges.

This, it said, was to ensure that only responsible and duly accredited persons entered the National Assembly complex.

“The PDP is known for its unwavering stand in upholding the tenets of democracy. Our stand for justice, fairness, and equity at all times remains undiluted. In the same vein, President Jonathan has been very humble and forthright in upholding these principles and rights of citizens’’, it said.

According to the party’s NWC, President Jonathan had instituted free, fair and credible elections and remains unwavering that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

“We therefore believe that there is no need to shroud the development in controversy.

“In this regard, we call for a full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident within the next 72 hours. Nigerians deserve to know the truth at all times”, the statement stressed.