Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has physically assaulted a senior reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), Tayo Ikujuni, during the conduct of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship primary on Saturday.
The ugly incident occurred at about 11.45 am at Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile, the venue of the 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 inquired about when the election materials arrived since they had started counting.
The commissioner demanded to know who he was, yelling and calling him a useless and stupid journalist.
Reports say the timely intervention of some party chieftains and security personnel prevented political thugs from further attacking the reporter.
The commissioner, when contacted said that the reporter failed to produce his identity cards when he was asked.