BREAKING NEWS: Edo NUJ Disclaims Ghost Sports Writers Caretaker Committee

By Simeon OSAJIE

In its bid to curb the activities of quackery in the journalism profession in Edo State, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council has dissociated itself from the purported Caretaker Committee of the State chapter of the Sports Writers Association (SWAN) put in place by a government official.

In a press statement issued and signed by Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Comrade Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary respectively, pronounced that the leadership of the union was never consulted on the setting up of such Caretaker Committee, neither did the Congress of the Union approve such arrangement, and therefore dissociates itself from the illegal constitution of the caretaker committee and declare it null and void.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the leadership of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been drawn to a purported Caretaker Committee of the Edo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by Salihu Ibrahim, with Mr. Ayodele as Secretary put in place by a government official.

“It is important to place on record that the  leadership of the union was never consulted on the setting up of such Caretaker Committee, neither did the Congress of the union approve such arrangement.

“The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria is not an independent body, but an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

“Consequently, the Edo state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists hereby dissociates itself from the illegal constitution of the caretaker committee and therefore declare it null and void.

“The NUJ leadership hereby requests anyone not to transact any business relating to sports matter with the said SWAN Caretaker Committee or anyone operating in that name.

“Security agencies and other stakeholders in sports in Edo State and beyond are please enjoined to take note accordingly.”