The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Ondo State, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on Saturday, assaulted a senior journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tayo Ikujuni.
Yusuf-Ogunleye assaulted the journalist during the conduct of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at Ward 9, Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Council.
The commissioner was said to have attacked the reporter, collected his phone, threw it away, and ordered his political thugs to seize his other gadgets.
According to an eyewitness, trouble started at about 11.45 a.m when the reporter inquired about when the election materials arrived and noticed that voting had commenced.
The commissioner was said to have screamed at the journalist, saying, “Who are you? You’re a useless journalist. You’re a stupid journalist. Go away from here.”
The scenario was prevented from degenerating into an ugly situation following the swift intervention of some individuals and security personnel, who prevented political thugs from further attacking the reporter.
When contacted, Yusuf-Ogunleye denied the allegation but apologised to journalists over the development.
However, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has frowned at the attack and physical assault on the senior journalist, describing it as ”barbaric and unacceptable”.
A statement by the state chairman of the union, Leke Adegbite, said the action of the commissioner was uncivilised.
The union called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately suspend the commissioner and launch an investigation into the incident.
APC guber primary: Ondo Sports Commissioner, Saka assaults journalist