Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has physically assaulted a senior reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), Mr Tayo Ikujuni, during the conduct of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship primary on Saturday.
The ugly incident occured at about 11.45 am at Eji-Oba High school, Oba-Ile, the venue of Ward 9 election in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Yusuf-Ogunleye reportedly punched the reporter, collected his cell phone and threw it away. He ordered his political thugs to seize all the electronic gadgets belonging to the reporter.
Eyewitness account said that trouble started at about 11.45 when the reporter inquire about when the election materials arrived since they have started counting.
The commissioner shouted that “who are you. You’re a useless journalist. You’re a stupid journalist. Go away from here.”
Timely intervention of some party chieftains and security personnel prevented political thugs from further attack of the reporter.
Contacted the commissioner, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, Yusuf-Ogunleye, said that the reporter failed to produce his identity cards when he was asked.
In a swift response, the states chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council has described the attack and physical assault on the senior journalist by the commissioner as ” barbaric and unacceptable.
A statement by the state chairman of the union, Prince Leke Adegbite said the action of the Commissioner was uncivilized, and called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately suspend Mr Saka Ogunleye and launch investigation into the incident.
“Ondo NUJ observes with sadness that Mr Ogunleye’s attitude to media professionals was unbecoming of a public office holder.
“We call on Mr Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to place Mr Saka Ogunleye on indefinite suspension for his physical assault on a Senior journalist like Tayo Ikujunni while performing his constitutional roles of monitoring the APC primaries.
“We call on the Commissioner to replace the damaged handset of the journalist and tender unreserved apology to the victim and the media industry.
“We equally direct Media Houses and professionals to halt the coverage and activities of the Commissioner until our demands are met
Source: The Vanguard
