Sports Writers in Lagos have advised the Nigeria Football Federation and the respective league bodies to ensure security of its members in the course of their duty.
This clarion call was made by the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN), Debo Oshundun while reacting to the harassment of one of its members, Adebayo Suleiman after a Nigeria National League game between Osun United and Ikorodu City FC at Ife.
“I have seen the unfortunate video. It is sad that the Secretary of the Osun State Football Association, Amoo Abayomi could stoop so low to the level of harassing a passionate journalist and instigating the fans to unleash violence on him”.
“It is appalling that the FA scribe threw caution to the wind to embrace hooliganism. It shows how deep rooted this disturbing case of violence in our football system goes”.
Oshundun said the association will continue to dialogue with necessary stakeholders and will not hesitate to act if push comes to shove.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. As an association, we will not fold our hands and watch our members ridiculed in the course of their work. We will continue to engage the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, League Management Company, Nigeria National League, NLO and the Nigeria Women Professional Football League”.
“We will not hesitate to withdraw our members from covering these beats if their safety is not guaranteed”.
Oshundun said at such a time that individual journalists and some media houses are trying to promote the leagues, journalists cannot afford to feel threatened.
“We expect that the leadership of the NFF, NNL and also the Osun State Football Association will look into this case and make Amoo an example for all as we continue to say no to violence in our football”.
