Heartland crisis deepens 24 hours after Uzodimma’s inauguration of board
The administrative crisis rocking Heartland FC of Owerri has again reared its ugly head less than 24 hours after Gov Hope Uzodimma inaugurated an interim management board for the club.
Newstap.com.ng gathered that the interim board led by Charles Ezekwem has, just like in the past, under Gov Emeka Ihedioha, has insisted on running the club on a day to day basis, a move which the club’s General Manager, Chukwudi Ifeanyi is not comfortable with.
A very competent source disclosed that at least three members of the new board who are opposed to their “hijacking” the role of the GM have threatened not to serve if the situation remains the same.
According to our source, the interim board members spent the whole of Wednesday night at Government House arguing over who should run the club.
Newstap.com.ng however gathered that Uzodimma had during the inauguration made it clear that the interim board should not usurp the role of the club management headed by the General Manager.
It would be noted that the “war” between Ezekwem and the General Manager dates back to when Ihedioha made the initial appointments.
Ezekwem who then wielded a lot of influence as PDP chairman sacked Ifeanyi and named a new GM who reported to him with him (Ezekwem) firmly in charge.
Interestingly, Uzodimma has brought both men back with the duo set to return to the trenches. Both men are also said to have henchmen in government backing them, a situation that sees the governor’s hands being tied.
While Uzodimma does not want to displease and disgrace out Ezekwem who dumped PDP for APC ostensibly to keep the “plum” Heartland job, Ifeanyi is also being backed by one of the governor’s right hand men, Tony Chukwu.
Everything points to the club suffering which is the case when two elephants fight.
Hon Godson Onyemobi, Ezekwem’s preferred GM has on his part been settled with SSA’s position.
Uzodimma now has SA (Sports) SSA (Sports) and a Sports Commissioner, after jettisoning the Imo Sports Commission set up by Ihedioha to take sports to the next level in the state.
Culled from Newtap
