.Congress Condemns Intimidation Of Members –
The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated a new electoral committee (SWANECO) tasked with organizing free and fair elections.
At the extra-ordinary congress presided over by Aaron Akerejola, interim Chairman, appointed by the National SWAN, members nominated and approved the appointment of Patrick Omorodion of Vanguard Newspaper as chairman of the electoral committee.
He will be joined by Anulika Menanya of Voice of Nigeria, along with McAnthony Anaelechukwu, Soliu Adeyemo, and Michael Nnabuchi.
Rising from the congress, the committee was mandated to conduct the upcoming elections strictly in line with the SWAN statute (as amended), to ensure fairness and transparency.
Speaking during the congress, Akerejola thanked members for showing up on short notice, describing it as a positive sign in the collective effort to rescue the association from individuals who have used it for personal gain. He emphasized the need to reposition SWAN to better serve all members, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
“It has been my vision for months to see all parties come together under one umbrella to chart the way forward,” he said. “Our task here is simple. We are to assess the current situation and deliberate on a way forward, in line with the mandate of the National SWAN executive led by Benjamin Isaiah.”
The congress did not hold back in its criticism of the suspended duo, Olatutu Oladunni, Lagos SWAN Chairman, and Bello Omotunde, Secretary, accusing them of deploying intimidation tactics.
These included the use of non-state actors (thugs) and some identified members of the Department of State Security (DSS) who told members they were under strict instructions to stop the planned congress convened in line with the SWAN statutes to determine the association’s future with whatever means necessary.
In a strongly worded resolution, the congress called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh; and the Area Commander of Area C Police Command to call their officers to order. The congress urged them to focus on national security and critical internal issues, rather than allowing their personnel to be used as tools for intimidating law-abiding citizens.
Meanwhile, the list of newly inaugurated SWANECO members will be communicated to the National SWAN for final ratification, in accordance with statutory provisions. Upon ratification, the Omorodion-led SWANECO will release the final guidelines for the electoral process.