FROM = EVEREST EZIHE, Owerri
Following the recent rift between the Board / Management of Heartland Football Club and the State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development as a result of power tussle, Chief Eddy Iwuanyanwu has alleged that Hon Dan Ogu, as the Sports Commissioner, goofed by over stepping his administrative powers and painted a false picture of the situation to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Chief Iwuanyanwu who is the President of Concerned Patriots of Imo State Sports Development disclosed this on Wednesday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, while addressing Journalists with some executive members of his organization’s on their opinion and efforts to resolve the ripples between Heartland FC Board/Management and the State Ministry of Sports.
He also accused the Commissioner of allegedly being used by external forces to destroy the football club, insisting that investigations revealed that never a time the Governor has pronounced nor directed the dissolution of the Board and Management of the club.
Iwuanyanwu appealed to the Governor and members of the the State Executive Council on the need to call the Commissioner to order to avert further embarrassment of the State government by dishing out tissues of lies.
He advised against using the state owned football club to play undue politics, stating that it is detrimental to the Shared Prosperity mantra of the Uzodinma administration towards the growth and development of sports in the state.
He pointed out that since the crisis broke out, football lovers in the State are unhappy because sporting activities have been strangulated, stressing that the Charles Ezekwem led Board had restored sanity, discipline and progress in the club.
“it’s naturally unfair to discredit the guinea fowl that lays the golden egg. Barr. Ezekwem brought fortune and restored professionalism in the club” he said .
The Sports enthusiast passionately advised Governor Hope Uzodinma on the need to checkmate some of his aides who drop his name to undermine others, alleging that they are out to discredit his purposeful and visionary governance .
He also cautioned against envy, pettiness and jealously among the political appointees, saying that the opposition are instigating confusion to create disunity and problems for the Governor and his administration.
The President further reassured of their commitment in restoring harmonious relationship between the Board and the Ministry, stating that his organization has advanced plans to meet with the Governor, and some principal stakeholders of his administration, to avail them the truth and need for unity of purpose in the Sports Ministry.
In his remarks, Hon Dan Chike Ogu denied ever being instrumental to the dissolution of Heartland Football Club Board and Management, noting that he had written over a week ago based on directive from the State Government.
Ogu bluntly refused to say who directed him but saying it’s only the Governor that has the right to revert the status quo.
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