Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has slammed Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha over what they described as ill-timed removal of its former president Mr Fan Nduboke as general manager of the state-owned Heartland Football Club.
In press release signed by SWAN President Saidu Abubakar and Secretary General Andrew Abba and made available to Blueprint Sport in Abuja, the association said it received the sack of Mr Ndubuoke with shock after he was relieved of his duty while he was still on his hospital bed following serious auto crash injuries he sustained while discharging his official duties for the club in Owerri.
The statement further viewed the untimely action of Governor Okorocha as discouraging and unbecoming to Mr Ndubuoke who led Heartland to claim a back to back federation cup in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 which broke a 20 year trophy-less jinx for the club.
According to the release “the sack which was done under the pretext of an executive directive to reorganize all government parastatals in the state only portrayed sports in the state as a mere burden only awaiting riddance. Whereas, in sports you don’t change a winning team the statement added.