By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has condemned what it described as a failed attempt by some people to unjustly heat up the association and subsequently create an atmosphere of rancour, confusion, wrangling and bad blood that is needless and unwarranted.

In a 10-point communiqué raised at its monthly congress in Awka, signed by the duo of Chimezie Anaso, chairman and Ikechukwu Nwokedi, Secretary respectively, the group recalled that a Full Council/Triennial Delegate Congress held in July 2023 saw the emergence of Mr. Isaiah Benjamin as the President, in line with the provisions of SWAN Statute.

It maintained that the elected president has piloted the affairs of SWAN with dignity, humility, harmony, civility, firmness and purpose since assumption of office, adding that he has also successfully put the association on the path of progress.

The Chapter however kicked against the distractions and pledged total loyalty to Benjamin as president of SWAN.

It advised that application of internal dispute mechanisms should be embraced for addressing vexed issues wherever they exist rather than archaic coup d’etat approach.

The communique reads: “That having taken a holistic and critical look at recent development, we are of the informed opinion that there is no crisis whatsoever in the association.

“We condemn the failed attempt by some people to unjustly heat up the association and subsequently create an atmosphere of rancour, confusion, wranglings and bad blood that is needless and unwarranted.

“That SWAN held a Full Council/ Triennial Delegate Congress in July 2023 where a duly elected leadership emerged with Mr. Isaiah Benjamin elected as the President, in line with the provisions of SWAN Statute.

“That the President has piloted the affairs of SWAN with dignity, humility, harmony, civility, firmness and purpose since he assumed office and has successfully put the association on the path of progress.

“SWAN Anambra Chapter totally endorse the peace and reconciliation building process initiated by the President and are convinced that the outcome will be of greater interest to the professional Association.

“The Chapter rejects the distractions and pledged total loyalty to Benjamin as president of SWAN and commits to application of internal dispute mechanisms for addressing vexed issues where they exist rather than archaic coup d’etat approach.

“That we were not aware of any National Executive Council, NEC meeting purportedly held on Jan. 7 and Jan. 9 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom as it was not called at the instance of President Isaiah Benjamin or the Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo as provided for by the SWAN Statute.

“Anambra Chapter vehemently disassociates itself from any decision or communiqué arising from such a meeting or gathering as the meeting was alien to SWAN statute, null, void and of no effect.

“The stand on the mandate constitutionally and unanimously given to President Isaiah Benjamin in Omoku, Rivers State on July 26, 2023 and pledge our unalloyed support to work for the success of his administration.

“That we will not cooperate with any person or group directly or remotely to destroy the association we have laboured to build.”

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