December 01, 2015 – Players of EL-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri have blamed the League Management Company for their woes, as indebtedness of the club to players enters the 9th month this December with no sign of an end in sight.
Late last week, the players were invited back to Maiduguri from their holidays with the promise that they would get paid the arrears owed them, but when players came from across the nation to meet the management, it was the same old song as the management and the State Commissioner for Sports promised them that they would be meeting the Governor to ensure that they would get payment. Enraged, the players stormed the Government House Maiduguri vowing not to leave there until they see the Governor.
“I received a distress call from the players almost in tears,” reveals renowned sports lawyer and Players’ advocate Barrister Johnny Precious Ogbah. “The players blame LMC for their woes, saying if the LMC had been serious with the 6 points deduction the management would have paid them their entitlements since. You will recall that the LMC first gave the club 60 days to pay or lose 6 points but they didn’t pay.
They were also given 15 working days yet they did not pay and the only excuse the LMC gave is that they have received assurances from the State Governments that the money would be paid. That is not good enough, and till date the money has not been paid, leaving this players in so much distress.
“During the season the players went on strike to force their payment, instead of pressurizing the club the LMC threatened the players with life bans if they ever tried to fight for their rights again, and even went as far as reversing the walk over that was as a result of the strike. This amounts to giving EL-Kanemi Warriors a pat on the back and a thumbs up for owing the players, and they have reciprocated by refusing to pay the salaries they owe these boys.The players said to me categorically, that they are disappointed in the LMC for supporting EL-Kanemi to cheat them, and that they fear that their money will ever be paid.
They also blamed their woes on a Northern conspiracy, saying the LMC are pampering El-Kanemi Warriors because they are a Northern club.
“Justice must be done and seen to be done. I am closely watching the whole scenario, and considering all legal options available. Players welfare is paramount to the success of our football, and we cannot allow clubs and administrators continue to make them suffer like this.
