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.
The players’ complaint over the non-payment of their salary arrears 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 encouraging the team to live up to its expectation and break the jinx by 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.
