The Abia State Government has declared that Mr Ifeanyi Ekwueme, the reported new Sporting Director of Enyimba, is “unknown to the Government.” This revelation was made on Tuesday in Umuahia by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Chinedu Ekeke.
Mr Ekeke, who doubles as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti said this while reacting to questions from Aba-based Journalists who paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday.
On Monday, the football space in Abia and the country was heated when a memo surfaced from Mr Ifeanyi Ekwueme, directing all members of the Enyimba technical crew, staff and management to re-apply for their jobs within 48 hours. This led to different interpretations, with some media houses reporting that Finidi George had been sacked.
Mr Ekeke waved off the memo and its contents. He wondered why the management of the club would tell the coaches to re-apply when they have valid contracts and have important matches ahead in the CAF Champions League and other engagements.
In a press release made available to newsmen on Monday evening by Kazie Uko, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Government urged the public to disregard contents of the memo, as no such directive was issued by the Government and management of the club.
The memo was signed by Mr Ifeanyi Ekwueme, as Sporting Director of Enyimba for the Chairman, Kanu Nwankwo.
This calls into question Mr Ekwueme’s appointment and also raises questions as to where he derived his powers from, to represent the club in official functions.
Interestingly, sources close to the club say the State Government is keen to quickly bring back Mr Jude Anyadufu, the former brilliant Sporting Director of the club who is widely known across Nigeria and Africa for his dedication and service to the People’s Elephants.