The much anticipated elections of the Bayelsa chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have been held in Yenagoa, with Mrs Timinipre Ohia of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) emerging as chairman of the association.
The keenly contested election saw Mrs Timinipre Ohia clinching eleven votes out of twenty one, while her only challenger, Pereolotu Amgbare of The Light Newspaper garnered ten votes.
George Ameli of Niger Delta Television (NDTV), who initially was contesting for the office of the chairman, announced his withdrawal from the race, few minutes to the election.
Preye Yabrifa of Glory FM 97.1 was the lone contestant for the office of vice chairman, same for Patrick Ndubuisi of Raypower/AIT, who vyied for secretary and Ekankumo Amgbare of Break Newspaper contesting for the office of the treasurer, as the trio were returned unopposed.
The new executives were sworn in immediately after the elections.
National Officer delegated to observe the conduct of the election, Mr China Acheru, while swearing in the new executives, charged then to run an inclusive administration and ensure unity of members at all times.
Sports Development commissioner, who was represented by Mr Nicolas Digha, the Head Of Department, Human Resource Management, Ministry of Sports, commended members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Also speaking, Elder Chris Odi, and Jacobson Park urged the new executives to work with all stakeholders and colleagues, as well as rally round possible aggrieved members.
In her acceptance speech, the new chairman Mrs Timinipre Ohia, expressed gratitude to all SWAN members for entrusting her with their votes, and assured she will heed to their advice and place SWAN first above another interest.
She equally thanked the National Delegate, Mr China Acheru, the SWANECO led by Tommy Amaegbe, the immediate past Caretaker Committee led by Elder Herbert Loveday, as well as the immediate past Alambo Datonye-led executive, for their tireless contributions towards the peaceful conduct of the election.
