A cleric, Rev. Chika Ubani of Glorious Kingdom Chapel International, has berated Governor Alex Otti over the worsening situation in Abia State, saying Enyimba FC, the only source of joy and pride for Abians, is dying under the watch of the current administration.
Speaking while reacting to the declining fortunes of Enyimba FC of Aba, Rev. Ubani said he honestly does not see what Governor Alex Otti has done on ground as governor when compared to the amount Abia State is receiving from the Federal Government.
“I honestly do not see what Governor Otti has done as governor compared to the amount of money he is receiving from the Federal Government,” the cleric said.
He warned that Enyimba FC must not be allowed to go into relegation, describing the club as the pride of Abia people.
“Enyimba should not go on relegation. If help is needed, approach those who managed Enyimba between 2000 and 2007 and restore the glory of this club, because it is our only source of joy and pride as Abians,” he stated.
Rev. Ubani recalled a period especially during the Orji Uzor Kalu administration when Enyimba dominated Nigerian football and produced many international players for the Super Eagles, and other African countries.
“There was a time Enyimba dominated Nigeria. We had at least 13 international players, including Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Obinna Nwaneri, Romanus Orjinta, Muri Ogunbiyi, Joetex Frimpong, Yusuf Mohammed, Ajibade Omolade, and Onyekachi Okonkwo,” he said.
According to him, the Orji Uzor Kalu era also witnessed massive investment in sports infrastructure.
“Stadiums were built and Enyimba was well funded, both in Aba and Umuahia. Abia State was coming first almost every time in all sports,” Rev. Ubani recalled.
He said democracy should reflect youth development, noting that this was evident during the administration of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
“Democracy is development of the youth. OUK (Orji Uzor Kalu) developed the youths. He built factories in Aba, Ogun and Lagos even before becoming governor,” he said.
The cleric stressed that his comments were based on personal experience.
“I have not met him personally and I do not know him personally, but this is the honest truth because I lived in Aba,” he added.
Rev. Ubani also called on the Federal Government to probe Signature Bank, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to look into its activities.
“The Federal Government should probe Signature Bank. It is important for the CBN to look into their activities and where their money is coming from,” he said.
He lamented what he described as a total standstill in Abia State.
“Everything in Abia today is at a standstill. People are hungry, youths are frustrated, healthcare is collapsing, civil servants are not smiling, and shops are closing in Aba,” he said.
According to him, while some people praise the government on social media from outside the state, the reality on ground is different.
“Except for people living outside the state and praising the government on social media, nothing is happening on ground. This is the reality,” the cleric concluded.
