TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the refusal of the federal government to release Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) sparked the riot that occurred around the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Monday.

It has, therefore, demanded an immediate inquest into the violent clash between security forces and members of the movement.

In a statement signed by Kola Ologbodiyan, spokesman of the party, the PDP said it was gravely worried over the handling of security in the nation’s capital.

“The PDP has noted that the development is linked with protests over the continued refusal of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to release the leader of the group, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, despite being granted bail by courts of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

“The party further notes the continued show of force and infringements on the rights of citizens by the APC administration.”

Ologbondiyan said the PDP and indeed all lovers of democracy across the country were deeply concerned by the continued “erosion of democratic tenets” by the APC administration, resulting in an avoidable crisis in various parts of the country.

The PDP spokesman also urged security high commands to ensure that the matter was nipped in the bud with the highest level of professionalism.