Anambra FA crisis worries AVSJA

THE Anambra Veteran Sports Journalists Association (AVSJA) at the weekend condemned the crisis in the state’s Football Association (ASFA), ahead of planned elections for a new executive committee.

 The crisis, which began soon after the directive by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to all its affiliate state football associations to hold elections in their FA executive committees between, February 15 and February 28, 2015, has now led to the emergence of two factions, one led by the Chairman, Chief Mike Umeh and the second by his vice-chairman, Jude Obikwelu.

 The factions have set up parallel electoral committees for the yet-to-be staged elections.

  Chief Umeh, who has been chairman of Anambra FA for upward of 16 years, was earlier in the week allegedly suspended by the Obikwelu faction.

 Umeh, on the other hand has held meetings with his faction, to counter the rival faction.

 In a release signed by Emeka Odikpo, Tony Nezianya and Ralph Chidozie George, the AVSJA described the crisis as “needless dissipation of energy that ought to be galvanised to promote harmony and pave way for the abundant soccer talents in the state to be identified.”

 They added: “We are not happy at the situation of things. We are calling on the NFF to intervene to take steps to restore peace and ensure that the right things are done to usher in a proper executive committee, through a free and fair election.

  “What is happening in Anambra is a show of shame that is unacceptable.

We urge all relevant authorities in the state to wade into the matter as both actors, jostling for office are displaying unbridled desperation that has clearly shown they have ulterior motives for seeking the office.

 “The sit tight syndrome must stop now. Anambra is a home for all and must therefore provide a fertile ground for democratic principles to reign.”