By Simdi Ndukuba, Awka
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter has slammed a total ban on coverage of activities of the State Football Association under the chairmanship of Chikelue Iloenyosi till further notice.
The body of sports writers made the resolution at its monthly congress held on July 25 after reviewing the ugly development between the association and Iloenyosi, chairman of Anambra State FA.
In a Statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Ikenna Nwokedi, Chairman and
Secretary respectively, SWAN also advised members holding positions in the Anambra FA whether ad hoc or permanent to resign their membership of such committees and within 72.
“It is on record that one of our members notified the congress of an alleged threat to his life by Iloenyosi which was referred to the national leadership for advice.
“That upon the directive of the National Leadership, the congress resolved and wrote the relevant agencies including Anambra State Government, Police and DSS, urging them to investigate the member’s claim and guarantee his safety.
“That while we were waiting for the outcome of investigation on the petition, four members of the State Executive Committee including a National Executive Committee member were invited by the DSS and confronted with a petition written by Iloenyosi through his lawyer against them.
“Chikelue Iloenyosi’s allegations against these members included attempted murder, constant threat to his life, criminal conspiracy, defamation, pressure on him to back down from contesting for chairmanship of Anambra FA in the election conducted in 2020, these are indeed heavy,” the Statement said.
It said that three months after leveling the weighthy allegations which Iloenyosi considered life threatening against the SWAN officials, he had neither substantiated nor withdrawn them.
SWAN resolved that it would no longer tolerate the sustained unprovoked attack on individual and collective sensibilities of members of the association by the FA chairman.
“The congress considered it that Iloenyosi has not only launched a psychological afront but declared outright war on the Sports Press in Anambra State.
“That SWAN, Anambra Chapter therefore places a total ban on coverage of all Anambra FA related activities until further notice.
“Any member of SWAN Anambra Chapter holding any position in Anambra State FA whether ad hoc or permanent resign their membership of such committees and within 72 hours or forfeit their membership of the association,” it said.
The chapter said the National Leadership was aware of the relationship between the state chapter and the Anambra FA and have been briefed of the decision.
