Thugs disrupt ADC women’s meeting in Rivers

Suspected political thugs disrupted the inaugural meeting of the Young Women Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

Thugs stormed the venue in Alesa Eleme, Rivers, dispersing supporters and destroying canopies, loudspeakers, chairs and other equipment.

They disrupted the meeting on the grounds that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not allow political activities.

The National Coordinator of the ADC Youth Girls Forum, Mrs Atosemi Oma-Uwame, condemned the incident in a chat with journalists.

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He described the disruption as an attempt to suppress the involvement of democracy and opposition parties ahead of the election.

“We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA. Thugs led by a ward councilor (name withheld) disrupted our meeting.

“The councilor stated that we did not get approval from his office, but we did not come here to campaign, but for a gathering of ADC young women in my constituency of Eleme.

“They said that if I want to hold an event in the community, I cannot mention my name, ADC, or mention my political party,” he said.

Oma-Uwame said he had previously been warned against holding the event under the party’s platform in the region.

“The disruption of our meeting is an attempt to hinder democracy and prevent political engagement,” he added.

He said the meeting was held in collaboration with the Atosemi Movement (TAM) to encourage grassroots mobilization among women.