Suspected political thugs on Friday disrupted the maiden meeting of the African Democratic Congress ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State causing panic and destruction of property.
The incident occurred in Alesa Eleme where members and supporters had gathered for the inauguration of the forum. Witnesses said the thugs stormed the venue and forcefully dispersed attendees while vandalising canopies chairs loudspeakers and other equipment set up for the event.
The ers reportedly justified their actions by claiming that the organisers failed to obtain approval to host the gathering and alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission had not authorised political activities in the area.
Reacting to the disruption the National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women Forum Ms Atosemi Oma Uwame strongly condemned the incident describing it as an attempt to suppress democratic participation and silence opposition voices ahead of elections.
According to her the meeting was not a political campaign but a gathering aimed at inaugurating the forum and mobilising young women within her constituency. She alleged that the disruption was led by a ward councillor who insisted that political activities linked to the ADC should not be held in the community.
Oma Uwame further revealed that she had previously received warnings against organising the event under the party platform. She stressed that such actions threaten democratic values and discourage political engagement especially among young women.
She explained that the forum in collaboration with The Atosemi Movement was designed to encourage grassroots participation and create opportunities for women to actively engage in politics.
Oma Uwame urged young women not to shy away from political involvement emphasizing the need for equal representation and participation in leadership processes.
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