By Ikemefuna Asika
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter rising from its congress held on July 25, 2024, directed her members to boycott all Anambra State Football Association activities with immediate effect.
According to the press release signed by the Chairman Patrick Chimezie Anaso and Secretary, Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi, the Association considered the ugly development between her and Chikelue Iloenyosi, chairman of Anambra State Football Association to arrive at such a decision.
SWAN maintained that they 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.
According to the release “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 for advice, noting that
following 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, the release explained.
The Association disclosed that while 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 includes 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”
SWAN notes that “three months after leveling these allegations which he considers life threatening against our members, Chikelue Iloenyosi has neither substantiated nor withdrawn them.
They therefore during their congress in Awka considered it that Chikelue Iloenyosi has not only launched a psychological afront but declared outright war on the Sports Press in Anambra State.
So based on that, SWAN, Anambra Chapter has therefore places a total ban on coverage of all Anambra FA related activities until further notice.
The release also directs all members of SWAN Anambra Chapter holding any position in Anambra State FA whether ad hoc or permanent resign their membership of such committees within 72 hours or forfeit their membership of the association.
