A stakeholders  meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa State yesterday was almost disrupted by thugs suspected to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the recognition given to the Assistant Secretary of the faction of the party led by Chief Fred Agbedi.

The meeting, it was learnt was held up for about two hours on account of the action of the suspected thugs who were also protesting the alleged decision of the national secretariat of the party to forward the name of the former Mayor of the Yenagoa City Council, Mr.  Bolobo Orufa as the party flag bearer for the August 14, 2010 State Assembly by-election into the Yenagoa Constituency II in the state House of Assembly.

Few minutes after the commencement of the stakeholders meeting between the Commission and the various political parties’ representatives in the state, it was learnt that some youths, allegedly led by one of the governor’s aides, invaded the venue and manhandled the Assistant Secretary of Chief Fred Agbedi faction of the party.

All those present at the meeting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Gabriel Ada, were reportedly taken aback by the action of the invaders.

Narrating his ordeal, the Assistant Secretary Mike Alfred, said his presence at the meeting of the stakeholders was at the instance of Chief Agbedi and that his valuables including mobile phone and cash were taken from him by his attackers.

But the aide to the governor on Youth Matters, Sunny Igoli, who was alleged to have led the invaders, denied the claim saying he was not at the meeting.

Attempts to get the comment of the Public Relations Officer of the State INEC, Mr. Timidi Wariowei, proved abortive as he line was not going through.