By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has declared purported Monday April 22, 2024 communique by some destructive elements in its Bayelsa state Chapter, as illegal and non-existent.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a press statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Thursday enjoined Sports Writers to remain focused and forge ahead with the Bayelsa SWAN Congress decision on April 17, 2024.
President Benjamin reckoned that since few persons who lack the prerequisite to operate as professional sports writers, have compounded their issues, by plotting against SWAN Bayelsa chapter, in connivance with some rejected external elements outside the state, no effort should be spared to resist any attempt to infiltrate the Chapter.
Giving account of how the National Secretariat of SWAN deployed a top National official, Mr. China Acheru, to supervise the earlier scheduled election, the number one sports writer in Nigeria said, “The National Ex-Officio who was officially deployed for the SWAN election in Bayelsa arrived Yenogoa fully ready but most of the SWAN members including contestants frowned at some abnormalities.
“After due consultations the congress members on the elective congress day, the National Officer who also briefed the National Secretariat in Abuja decided to listen to the majority of SWAN members’ plea to postpone the election in order to address the issues raised and ensure everyone is carried along in the process.
“The record of all that transpired is well documented. I could vividly recall how one of the Chairmanship aspirants, Mr. George Ameli, immediately called and commended the national SWAN leadership for allowing the wish of the majority in the Congress to prevail by postponing the election.
“So, anyone who allows himself or herself to be now used to cause confusion in the system is doing so at his own peril. As a leadership, we urge every sports writer in Bayelsa to remain calm and that within the shortest period which the interim caretaker committee led by Mr. Loveday Herbert has, election will take place and usher in substantive SWAN leaders in Bayelsa State.
“Just like other states in Nigeria have stood their ground, I urge Bayelsa Chapter not to loose focus or be swayed by those who don’t mean well for the growth and overall development of the Association.
“It’s your SWAN, own it, don’t leave it for miscreants. Together, we will continue to chart a positive way forward.”
The SWAN President also expressed delight with the robust sports development drive in Bayelsa State, anchored by Governor Duoye Diri who has reappointed the workaholic, fit and energetic man, Mr. Daniel Igali, to once again lead the state’s Sports sector, adding, “it’s a thoughtful and commendable decision, which will continuously set the State on high human development pedestal.”
