Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu
State has intervened in the recent dispute between the management of Rangers
International Football Club, Enugu and its players over the non-payment of
their salary arrears and other incentives.
The players had expressed their
displeasure, immediately after they qualified for the quarter final of the
Federation Cup tournament at Abuja, over the non-payment of their salaries,
which drew the attention of the state government and other stakeholders who
pleaded with the players to understand the predicament of the management and
return home.
The development prompted the
decision of the governor to intervene in the matter by inviting the players and
management of the club to a round table discussion with a view to addressing
the issues and encourage the team to live up to its expectation to be able to
break the jinx of winning a trophy for the state after 32 years.
The governor after listening to the
presentations made by both parties including, the Commissioner for Youth and
Sports, Hon. Charles Ndukwe, board members and fans of the club, informed them
of his administration’s commitment to do everything possible in spite of the
drastic drop in the state revenue due to the challenges in the oil sector to
ensure that the players earn their salary arrears and forestall any future
occurrence.
He disclosed that he had instructed the Accountant General of the
state to take necessary action to ensure that their June and July salaries are
taken care of.
Gov. Ugwuanyi reminded the team of
the symbolic nature of the Rangers’ jersey which he said represents “the soul
of an Igbo man” and charged them to tackle their responsibilities with all
seriousness so that their promise to bring a trophy and break the jinx of not
winning a trophy since 32 years will be actualized.
“The little we have every month, we
will consider your arrears in line with other brothers and sisters that have
not been paid salaries. We have decided to step down on many activities to
ensure that Rangers, IMT, ESUT and others are paid their salaries. I understand
the difficulties, but it is all because the economy of the country is in bad
shape due to the derail in the oil sector''.
“We assure and reassure you of our
total support at all times. May the support of our forefathers stand behind you
always, we cherish you and you are our diamonds. When you win matches we are
happy. When you lose matches the economic activities in the state suffers because
our people will not celebrate and patronize our joints. May the roads continue
to rise ahead of you and may your collective and individual efforts bring the
long expected positive result for Enugu State”, said Ugwuanyi.