Members and supporters of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, have staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly to draw public attention to what they describe as persistent victimization, discrimination, and unfair treatment of the first elected female Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, and her executive committee.
The protesters called on the National President of SWAN, Mr. Benjamin Isaiah, and the National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Okwonkwo, to immediately desist from any actions that undermine the leadership, dignity, and legitimate interests of the elected Lagos State Chapter Executive Committee.
The demonstration was organised to demand fairness, accountability, respect for the association's governing statutes, and an end to what the protesters allege to be discriminatory treatment of the female-led executive committee.
A CALL TO END ALLEGED VICTIMISATION AND GENDER DISCRIMINATION
The protesters expressed concern over what they described as persistent attempts to undermine the leadership of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, Nigeria's first elected female Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of SWAN.
According to the protesters, the situation raises serious questions about gender equality, internal democracy, due process, and the responsibility of national officers to protect the interests of all members, irrespective of gender or position.
They maintained that the election of a woman to lead the Lagos State Chapter should be recognised as a milestone for inclusion and equal participation in sports journalism, rather than an occasion for alleged discrimination, marginalization, or institutional hostility.
The protesters therefore demanded that Mr. Benjamin Isaiah and Mr. Ikenna Okwonkwo respect the leadership and legitimate interests of the Lagos State Chapter and refrain from any conduct that could be interpreted as victimization, intimidation, or discriminatory interference.
STOP THE ALLEGED ABUSE OF OFFICE
A major concern raised by the protesters was the alleged misuse of national offices in matters affecting the Lagos State Chapter.
The demonstrators called on the National President and the National Secretary to exercise their respective responsibilities in accordance with the SWAN Constitution and applicable statutes, rather than engage in actions alleged to undermine the autonomy and lawful decisions of the state chapter.
They emphasised that leadership positions within SWAN are positions of responsibility and service, not instruments for personal interests, intimidation, or the suppression of dissenting voices.
The protesters further urged the national leadership to ensure that all disputes within the association are addressed through established constitutional mechanisms, transparent procedures, and a fair hearing for every affected member.
They insisted that no officer, regardless of rank, should act outside the authority conferred by the association's governing rules.
RESPECT THE MANDATE OF THE FEMALE-LED LAGOS SWAN EXECUTIVE
The demonstrators reaffirmed their call for respect for Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni and the executive committee she leads.
They maintained that internal disagreements within SWAN should not become grounds for discrimination or the arbitrary removal, suspension, or marginalisation of elected officers without strict compliance with the association's governing statutes and applicable procedures.
The protesters also called for an end to any practice that could discourage women from participating in leadership or seeking elective positions within professional associations.
They stressed that gender should never be a basis for unequal treatment and that women elected into leadership positions deserve the same respect, institutional support, and procedural protections as their male counterparts.
DEMANDS OF THE PROTESTERS
The protesters called on the National President, Mr. Benjamin Isaiah, and the National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Okwonkwo, to:
1. STOP ALLEGED GENDER DISCRIMINATION: End any conduct alleged to constitute discrimination, victimization, or unfair treatment of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni and the female-led Lagos State Chapter Executive Committee.
2. STOP ABUSE OF OFFICE: Exercise their national responsibilities strictly within the powers conferred by the SWAN Constitution and applicable statutes.
3. RESPECT ELECTED LEADERSHIP: Respect the electoral mandate and legitimate interests of the elected Lagos State Chapter Executive Committee, subject to the association's governing rules.
4. UPHOLD DUE PROCESS: Ensure that disciplinary measures, suspensions, leadership disputes, and other internal proceedings comply with the applicable constitutional procedures and principles of fair hearing.
5. END UNJUSTIFIED INTERFERENCE: Refrain from any action that unlawfully interferes with the internal administration and legitimate affairs of the Lagos State Chapter.
6. PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY: Demonstrate through their conduct that women in SWAN are entitled to equal opportunities, respect, and protection against discrimination.
7. PURSUЕ PEACEFUL RESOLUTION: Engage relevant stakeholders in constructive dialogue to resolve the leadership dispute in the interest of unity, institutional stability, and the continued development of sports journalism in Nigeria.
A MESSAGE TO THE LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
By taking their concerns to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the protesters sought to draw the attention of the state's lawmakers and the wider public to the importance of fairness, gender inclusion, and accountability within professional associations.
They urged the Assembly to take cognizance of the concerns raised and, within its lawful mandate, encourage dialogue and respect for the principles of equality, fairness, and accountable leadership.
The protesters maintained that their demonstration was peaceful and intended to promote justice, institutional accountability, and the protection of the rights and interests of members of the association.
OUR POSITION: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
The protesters declared that the time had come for an end to the alleged victimization and discriminatory treatment of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni and the female-led Lagos SWAN Executive Committee.
They stressed that the matter should not be reduced to a personality clash or a struggle for control, but should be addressed as an issue of constitutional governance, equal treatment, and respect for democratic principles within a professional association.
They further maintained that SWAN can only fulfil its professional mandate when its leadership demonstrates fairness, respects its governing statutes, and protects the rights of members without discrimination.
The message of the protesters is clear: STOP ALLEGED VICTIMISATION. STOP GENDER DISCRIMINATION. STOP ABUSE OF OFFICE. RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION. RESPECT THE ELECTED LAGOS SWAN LEADERSHIP.
The protesters called on the national leadership of SWAN to embrace dialogue, act within its constitutional authority, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to fairness, equality, and institutional unity. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
SIGNED
ADELU Taiwo
Vice Chairman
Omotunde Bello
Secretary SWAN Lagos State chapter
No comments:
Post a Comment