Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to sack his commissioner of sports, Mr Dan Ogu for his meddlesomeness in sports administration in the state.
They made their views known in a Communiqué issued at the weekend after its emergency meeting held at its secretariat. In the Communiqué signed by the chairman and secretary of the association, it noted that no government can undermine the importance of sports in her developmental and transformational agenda
Noting that the commissioner has totally failed, they called for his sack, resignation or caution. They hinged their call on these factors as contained in the following excerpts of the release;
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.
Absolute disregard to critical stakeholders, non-tolerance of good advice (s), and suggestions geared towards sports development and transformation in the state.
Getting involved 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.
Not knowing what to do to inspire the sportsmen and women for optimal performance, due to lack of experience and passion.
Neglecting other sectors of sports in Imo state and instead focusing 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.
Leaving 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.
Underhand practices and undue interference in the running of Heartland Football Club, usurping the jobs of the GM, protocol, and even media officer. This is unhealthy for the development of the club and puts the club perpetually at risk of sanctions from LMC. He is the Sports Commissioner not Heartland Commissioner.
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.
Gross incompetence as 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.
They threatened that they may opt to blacklist sports coverage in the state if the governor refuses to yield to their request after two weeks.
