Echoes of excitement and satisfaction are rolling through the corridors of sports writers in Abuja, following their successful election of new officials to guide their affairs.
This became a reality for members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, as they perfected what became known as ‘unifying election’ on Friday in Abuja.
A member of the chapter and renowned broadcaster of several years repute, Andrew Abah said it was a historic day in the annals of FCT SWAN and expressed hope of better days ahead for everyone in the association.
While reeling out issues that occasioned the emergency election and the emergence of new officials for FCT SWAN, Abah said it was indeed a day worth celebrating.
The ace broadcaster fingered past officials of the national body of sports writers from all across Nigeria for allegedly causing disunity in FCT SWAN, which eventually led them into fragmentation, but he then expressed appreciation for everyone who helped them resolve the days of diatribe.
Abah recounted, “We held a unified election because, for almost three years, we ran into problems created by Honour Serawoo. We were then operating two factions, but we found out that sports administrators were not taking us seriously.
“We viewed it and looked at it. So, we, the elders, decided to call a general meeting. We met, and we set up a reconciliatory committee. Based on its recommendations, we all sat down and agreed that there is a need for us to have a united SWAN in Abuja.
“That’s the only way we can have a voice and put an end to how sports administrators kept telling us Abuja SWAN was divided. We all agreed, and we said we are pushing forward, and today is the unified election. Whoever emerges, we will know we have one chairman, not two.”
Abah added that he was delighted knowing that it was a bold move taken by FCT SWAN members themselves, without interference from anyone, and expressed optimism that Friday’s process will mark a positive turning point for the body.
“We decided on our own to reconcile ourselves and have one voice. That is what we have done. Other states should also know that National SWAN can not come into our affairs. Whatever happens at the national level, whether they are fighting or not, it does not concern us.
“Our primary aim is to put our house in order so that, any time and at every point, we can speak as one body, and that’s what happened today,” Abah concluded with affirmation.
