Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has called for immediate removal of the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Dan Ogu, from office by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The call was contained in a communique jointly endorsed and issued by the Chairman of SWAN Comrade Everest Ezihe and the Secretary, Tunde Liadi issued after their emergency meeting held, last Friday, in Owerri.
The association called on the Governor to immediately appoint a new sports administrator with passion in sports development to man the affairs of the Ministry.
In a 9 points communique, the association drew the attention of the Governor to the misdemeanor and anomalies bedeviling generally grassroots sports growth in the state under the watchful eye of the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dan Chike Ogu despite all efforts of your Shared Prosperity and 3 R mantra administration.
The association observed with dismayed that Hon. Dan Ogu is on a clandestine mission to ensure that sports in the state die under his watch following his nefarious activities which have necessitated our clamour for his immediate sack or redeployed.
The association observed his refusal to meet with all sports Associations and coaches of various sports in the state with their athletes since he resumed office as the Commissioner.
The group condemned what they observed as absolute disregard to critical stakeholders, non-tolerance of good advice (s), and suggestions geared towards sports development and transformation in the state.
They accused him over his involvement in activities that will give room for obvious distractions in the sports sector in the state, aiding and abetting factionalism within the state sports circle.
They said that the commissioner does not know what to do to inspire the sportsmen and women for optimal performance, due to lack of experience and passion.
According to them the Commissioner neglect other sectors of sports in Imo state and instead focuse all his overbearing attention on Heartland Football Club for an obvious pecuniary interest. These have made other sporting activities in the state to be moribund.
Other issues raised against the commiissioner includes the fact that his attitude lives room for confusion and uncertainties regarding Imo State’s outing at the National Sports Festival, with little or no activities in terms of preparation, effectively setting up the state for failure in Benin.
They pointed out his underhand practices and undue interference in the running of Heartland Football Club, usurping the jobs of the GM, protocol, and even media officer describing it as unhealthy for the development of the club and puts the club perpetually at risk of sanctions from LMC.
The association condemned his persistent refusal to interface with and outright neglect/near insult of stakeholders and association in Sports in Imo while ignorantly wearing the toga of being the expert in all.
They observed what the described as his gross incompetence adding that several sectors in Imo sports are in a state of comatose since his assumption of office and no meaningful efforts to resuscitate them, for instance, Grasshoppers, Heartland Flickers, Heartland Queens, Basketball team, track and field sporting events, kick sports, indoor games, etc have all gone under the radar because of his lackadaisical attitude.
