There is a grave injustice that the players of Akwa United FC of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have been enduring since 2015. A very wicked, heartless and mindless act that must be shared with the world. A great evil and a shame that must be brought to the attention of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom.
The players have almost resigned to their fate but we can together make their voice heard. I have chosen to use this platform to bring their condition to the public domain and perhaps to the attention of the governor.
On November 22, 2015, Akwa United FC, a football club owned and funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government won the Nigerian Federation Cup by 2 goals to 1 against Lobi Stars of Markudi. On their return to Uyo from Lagos, the state government hosted the players and the technical crew to a gala dinner. (It’s important to note that this is the first major trophy of the Uyo based football club). During the course of the celebration, the Governor, Emmanuel Udom, made a pledge of N2 million and a house to each of the 34 players that made up the team.
Sadly, since 2015 when the pledge was made, none of the players has got the N2 million. According to my source, 24 of the 34 players got their houses. I also learned that the technical crew got theirs. However, I am not certain if they received their N2 million.
It is believed that it is the commissioner for sports, Monday Uko who pocketed the largesse and may have given away the other houses to his kiths and kin.
The players do not know who to channel their complain to. Furthermore, they are scared. The technical crew too. The players have made countless efforts to reach the governor but they have been rebuffed by the commissioner, I understand.