Shock and disbelief have greeted the decision of the Imo State Sports Commission to transfer a female coach who was allegedly assaulted by the incumbent chairman of her association.
The development has surprised sports stakeholders in Imo State and beyond who have been closely following the assault allegation involving Coach Angela Nzekwe and the incumbent chairman of the association, Mr. Kelechi Anosike.
Observers have expressed concern that rather than protecting the alleged victim, the Commission ordered her redeployment, a move many describe as punitive and discouraging to women in sports administration.
Recall that prior to the transfer, the incumbent chairman—who is also a coach in the association—alongside a junior coach, reportedly summoned Coach Angela Nzekwe, a former national team player, and other coaches of the association to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dorothy C. Utazi.
Sources within the Commission allege that the Permanent Secretary may be acting under the influence of a powerful state commissioner believed to have close ties with the incumbent chairman. It was further alleged that following interventions from the said commissioner, Dr. Utazi began taking directives relating to the handling of the matter.
Basketball stakeholders in the state are particularly worried, noting that Coach Nzekwe is among the highest-ranked coaches in the Imo State Sports Commission. Her transfer to a local government area is viewed by many as a setback to the development of basketball in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, sports followers say they are closely monitoring developments and awaiting the official reaction of the Commissioner for Sports, particularly on the rationale behind the transfer and the overall handling of the assault allegation.
