The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra state chapter have resolved to blacklist all activities of the state Football Association following a strained relationship with chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi.
The Association took the decision rising from its July Congress held on Thursday 25th July, 2024 where the actions of the chairman against some members were discussed.
In a communique signed by the Chairman Mr Chimezie Anaso and Secretary, Dr Ikenna Nwokedi, the Association outlined all their grievances against the FA boss.
The communique read:
July 26, 2024
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter rising from its congress held on July 25, 2024, considered the ugly development between the association and the Chikelue Iloenyosi, chairman of Anambra State Football Association and resolved as follows:
That it can no longer tolerate the sustained unprovoked attack on individual and collective sensibilities of members of the association by Chikelue Iloenyosi, chairman of Anambra State Football Association
That it is on record that our member notified the congress of an alleged threat to his life by Chikelue Iloenyosi which was referred to the national leadership of SWAN 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 NEC member were invited by the DSS and confronted with a petition written by Chikelue 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.
That three months after leveling these allegations which he considers life threatening against our members, Chikelue Iloenyosi has neither substantiated nor withdrawn them.
The congress considered it that Chikelue 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.
That 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.
The National Leadership of SWAN is aware of the relationship between the state chapter and the Anambra State FA and have been briefed of this decision.
Chimezie Anaso
Chairman
Ikenna Nwokedi
Secretary
