Emmanuel Akpan makes history in SWAN … first to get second term mandate unopposed
Sports Recorder edition, March 10, 2023. By James Akpan
It was Wednesday, March 8, 2023, three days to the much anticipated Governorship/House of Assembly Election in Nigeria.
Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter had assembled at the NUJ Press Center, Information Drive, IBB Way, Uyo not for their monthly Congress, but to witness the emergence of a new set of leaders for the association.
The tenure of the Emmanuel Akpan led administration had elapsed February this year, with a new government expected.
With the setting up of SWANECO as required by the Statute, the process of electing new officers kick-started in earnest.
The process culminated in the election which brought members, stakeholders and supporters alike.
It was a simple, well coordinated and rancour free exercise, first in the history of SWAN in Akwa Ibom.
No balloting of any kind, because all the officers returned unopposed to their respective positions.
Comrade Emmanuel Akpan retained his office as the State Chairman.
Comrade Anthony Effiong returned as the Vice Chairman, Comrade Theophilus Udo continued as the Secretary, Comrade James Akpan held on to his office as the Assistant Secretary and Comrade Patrick Titus maintained the Treasury as the Treasurer.
The election was monitored by the Vice president south South of SWAN, Otuekong Bonny Nyong and conducted by the SWANECO led by comrade Justice Udousoro.
He had earlier expressed the delight of the national body of SWAN over the effective leadership of SWAN in Akwa Ibom and lauded Comrade Emmanuel Akpan for steering the ship well.
Several dignitaries spoke at the event.
They included a former Director of Sports, in Akwa Ibom, coach Lawrence Iquaibom, chairman of NUJ in Akwa Ibom, comrade Amos Etuk, Acting chairman of FA in Akwa Ibom, Mr Samuel Umoh, two former chairmen of SWAN in Akwa Ibom, Professor Uwem Akpan and Evangelist Uwem Ekoh as well as the publisher of the Ink Newspaper, Comrade Nsibiet John.
They all hailed the re-elected chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan for breaking new grounds and achieving great feat in the first three years in office.
Comrade Akpan was also spoken well of for his respect for the elders and taking SWAN in Akwa Ibom from nothing to something worthwhile.
The event was well attended with the NUJ secretary in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Dominic Akpan and a contingent from Rivers State led by the SWAN chairman, Rivers State, Mrs Sarah David in attendance.
Responding, the chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan thanked God, stakeholders, executive members and the Congress for the confidence reposed in him for another three years.
He promised to up the game and never to disappoint the Congress even as he assured that welfare of members would be taken care of optimally.
The leadership of the reelected officers is expected to elapse March 8, 2026.
