Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN has agreed to boycott matches of Rivers United indefinitely due to the new Management’s lack of respect and non-recognition of the association and its members.
Rising at the end of an emergency meeting held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday, October 17, SWAN Rivers, led by Chairman Sarah David stated that the decision to give a no-show to anything Rivers United henceforth is the best the Association can arrive at in the face of prevailing circumstances.
SWAN Rivers in a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary, FISAYO DAIRO noted with dismay, the unprecedented level of disdain and lack of regard for members of the fourth estate realm as portrayed conspicuously by the interim administrator of the club, Christopher Green.
According to the statement, Green had claimed before and after Rivers United’s CAF Champions League clash with Young Africans of Tanzania that Rivers State Executive Governor, Nyesom Wike does not need media attention and publicity for the club hence journalists could cover the club’s games at their own risk.
SWAN Rivers said its Executive committee will continue to take steps aimed at positioning and repositioning the association for greatness and due recognition as the umbrella body of a group of professionals who will stop at nothing to achieve the effective discharge of their duties.
SWAN Rivers also thank its members for their great cooperation and unanimous agreement while taking the painstaking but highly imperative decision.