SWAN Appeals for Ifeanyi Ubah’s Release

The executive committee of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria has appealed for the release of its national patron, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah who has been in detention for some time.

That was one of the high points of an eight-point communiqué it released after its two-day meeting in Birnni Kebbi, Kebbi State.

According to the statement issued and forwarded to Sports Village Square, the body supports the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government, but frowned at the continued detention of its national patron and owner of the FC IfeanyiUbah.

The body therefore urged the federal authorities to charge him to court in line with rule of law. In another vein, it commended the Senate, under the leadership of SWAN National Patron, Dr Bukola Saraki, for passing the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) bills.

It urged the House of Representatives to follow suit in order to facilitate the development of sports in the country.

The commendation also extends to the Nigeria Football Federation for securing concrete sponsorship for its programmes. It also urged the body to work towards Super Eagles’ qualification for 2018 World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The communiqué also addressed the lingering National Sports Festival which had not taken place since Lagos hosted the 2012 edition.

It urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to take a decisive action on the matter noting that the delay is impeding the discovery and development of sports talents.

The central body of the sports journalists also remarked that it was awaiting official information on the yet to be conducted AIPS-Africa election and assured that it would encourage interested members of the association to apply for nomination into available positions.