June 21, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has held its much-anticipated election with Mrs. Timinipre Ohia of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) emerging Chairman.
The keenly contested election held in Yenagoa saw Ohia poll 11 votes out of twenty-one, while her only challenger, Pereolotu Amgbare of The Light Newspaper, garnered ten votes.
George Ameli of Niger Delta Television (NDTV), who initially was contesting for the office of the Chairman, announced his withdrawal from the race a few minutes before the election.
Preye Yabrifa of Glory FM 97.1 was the lone contestant for the office of the Vice Chairman, same as Patrick Ndubuisi of Raypower/AIT, who vied for the position of Secretary and Ekankumo Amgbare of Break Newspaper who contested for the office of the Treasurer. The trio were returned unopposed.
The new executives were sworn in immediately after the elections.
The national officer delegated to observe the conduct of the election, Mr. China Acheru, while swearing in the new executives, charged them to run an inclusive administration and ensure the unity of members at all times.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, who was represented by Mr. Nicolas Digha, Head Of Department, Human Resource Management, Ministry of Sports, commended members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Also speaking, Elder Chris Odi and Jacobson Park urged the new executives to work with all stakeholders and colleagues, as well as rally round possible aggrieved members.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mrs. Timinipre Ohia, expressed her gratitude to all SWAN members for entrusting her with their votes and assured them she would heed their advice and place SWAN first above other interests.
She equally thanked the national delegate, Mr. China Acheru, the SWANECO led by Tommy Amaegbe, the immediate past Caretaker Committee led by Elder Herbert Loveday, as well as the immediate past Alambo Datonye-led executive for their tireless contributions towards the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
