A cloud of uncertainty looms over Enyimba Football Club of Aba as the Chief Security Officer, Ogbonnaya Agwu, has come forward with allegations that approximately eight club staff members have been instructed to cease their duties by the Sporting Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Ekwueme.
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Ekwueme, however, vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the reports of dismissals are unfounded and driven by ulterior motives to tarnish the reputation of the State government.
Agwu, flanked by two other Enyimba staff members, held a press conference in Umuahia to express their grievances. They asserted that despite the state government’s stance that no terminations have occurred, they have been directed to halt their work. Agwu additionally lamented that the affected employees had not received their salaries for approximately four months. Curiously, other Enyimba staff have purportedly been compensated during this period.
Agwu also made serious allegations that the Sporting Director is allegedly planning to replace dismissed Enyimba staff with individuals who are not even from Abia State. Among those named in the alleged dismissals are Agwu Ogbonnaya, the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Maduka Anyaso, Uche Ezekiel, Felix Etu, Monday Agu, Onyeukwu Victor Obike (a cameraman), and three others. Agwu attributed the directive to dismiss them to Ndubuisi Ofoma, acting on behalf of the sporting director.
In response to these claims, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, the recently appointed Sporting Director, refuted the allegations as orchestrated attempts to besmirch Governor Alex Otti’s image and that of the state. He firmly stated that no personnel were dismissed from Enyimba and challenged Agwu and his associates to furnish letters of dismissal issued by the club management. Ekwueme asserted that these accusations are part of a strategy to manipulate club staff for political ends.
While he categorically denied any dismissals, Ekwueme disclosed that the Chief Security Officer, Ogbonnaya Agwu, allegedly displayed a dereliction of duty recently, failing to provide adequate security within the club premises. As a result, the Team Manager reportedly instructed him to temporarily step aside from his responsibilities.
Ekwueme urged caution among Enyimba staff and cautioned against allowing the opposition to exploit the situation for their gain. He reiterated that the current management’s priority is to elevate Enyimba to new heights and reaffirmed that Governor Otti is not involved in the alleged dismissals.
Ekwueme concluded, “Nobody was sacked. Let them show the letter of their sack. They are only trying to bring the governor into what he is not part of.”
