Lagos SWAN fires back, accuses National Leadership of constitutional abuse and power grab

In a blistering rebuttal to the recent suspension of its Chairman and Secretary, the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has accused the National Executive Committee (NEC) of trampling on the association’s constitution and engaging in a reckless abuse of power.

The response, signed by Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Omotunde Bello, denounces the October 3, 2025 letter from National President Mr. Benjamin Isaiah as ‘unconstitutional, ultra vires, and legally impotent.’

The Lagos leadership insists that the NEC has no authority to unilaterally suspend elected chapter officials, citing Articles 21 and 23 of the SWAN Statute which vest disciplinary powers solely in the State Executive Committee (SEC).

‘The powers to suspend or remove any state officer reside exclusively with the chapter’s SEC and must be exercised through a two-thirds majority vote,’ the letter states, accusing the NEC of bypassing due process and violating the right to fair hearing guaranteed under Article 21(c).

The Lagos chapter further slammed the suspension as a blatant usurpation of chapter autonomy and a dangerous precedent that undermines the democratic foundations of SWAN.

They argue that the tenure of the current leadership is constitutionally protected for three years, with eligibility for re-election, and cannot be arbitrarily truncated by the national body.

Adding legal weight to their position, the Lagos SWAN cited a ruling by the National Industrial Court in suit no. NICN/LA/165/2022, which affirmed the legitimacy of the current chairman’s election and tenure.

‘This kind of interference, if allowed, will destroy the credibility of SWAN’s electoral processes and erode the rule of law within its structure,’ the chapter warned.

In a final rebuke, the Lagos SWAN declared the suspension letter ‘null and void,’ urging the National Secretariat to cease all unconstitutional actions and adhere strictly to the association’s disciplinary procedures.