By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter to desist from negative tension capable of causing chaos and confusion in the union.
The chairman, Bayelsa State Union of Journalists, Comrade Samuel Numonengi made the call during SWAN’s emergency congress on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre.
Comrade Numonengi said NUJ has passionately looked into issues which led to certain disagreements among members of SWAN in the state with a view to profer lasting solution.
According to Numonengi, SWAN is an integral member of the NUJ, and thus issues bothering the association directly affect the NUJ at large.
He emphasized the importance of togetherness of SWAN as it generally speaks volume on how journalists are perceived outside, while calling on members to embrace peace and reconciliation.
Also, the director general, New Media to the Bayelsa State Government, Dr. Kola Oredipe, who is a SWAN member and stakeholder expressed great concern with the recent crisis within the association in Bayelsa.
Dr. Kola Oredipe who appealed for the removal of unnecessary tension called on members who feel aggrieved to channel their energy to the conduct of new election.
Dr. Oredipe urged SWAN electoral body (SWANECO) to conduct election within 4 weeks if possible, while underscoring the importance of unity and high ethical standards in the day-to-day professional conduct of Sports journalists.
The congress therefore passed vote of confidence on the already existing SWANECO Committee with Tommie Amaegbe to continue as chairman of the committee while Okioma Aherhoke and Willie Bassey to serve as members.
The congress charged the electoral committee to conduct an election that will stand test of time free of wrinkles and dispute.
