July 09, (THEWILL) – The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, has brokered peace between the two factions of the Benue State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.
The meeting, which was held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry in Makurdi on Tuesday had in attendance, leaders, members of the two groups, and other critical stakeholders.
The Commissioner appealed to both parties to exemplify maturity by agreeing to work together under one united and indivisible SWAN for the good of the association and Sports reportage in the State.
After an exhaustive interactive session, the meeting revolved and dissolved with immediate effect, the Executives of the two SWANs whose tenure had already expired.
Consequently, the Electoral Committee was set up to conduct the election within one month. At the same time, the Commissioner will contact the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and that of SWAN to seek a two-week additional window for more registration of members willing to join the association or renew membership.
The meeting further resolved that all those who bought forms for election with the various factional Electoral Committees and are still interested in contesting multiple positions would be revalidated and given new forms free of charge, while those who intend to join the contest are to purchase their forms as would be announced by the Electoral committee.
“There should be no exclusion of any Sports Writer wishing to register and be part of SWAN in the State.
“We have all agreed to the terms of the meeting and promised to cooperate with the Commissioner and the Electoral Committee to ensure the smooth implementation of this Communique.
The Commissioner promised to ensure that the Benue State Government supports the smooth conduct of the SWAN Election and assured that his Ministry and the Benue State Government will fully integrate the new Exco into the scheme of things in the State.
The three-member Electoral Committee consists of Mr Terkula Atom as Chairman, Mr Uche Nnorom and Mr Babs Usigbe, while Mr Bem Abunde, is to serve as the representative of the Commissioner who will be a non-participant observer.
