Sometimes the simple task of going to watch a
football match can turn into a political fiasco. This is the case for Nigeria’s
Niger state's Governor, Abubakar Sani, who attended the Chelsea vs. Arsenal match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. According to the
Daily Post, Sani accepted an invitation from Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel to discuss a partnership in developing
sport in his country.
According to the Governor, Mikel has a plan to open a
football academy in the state and the two parties were discussing the
logistics. However, that wasn't a good enough explanation for the people.
Some of the constituents of Niger, a state in the midst of
a financial crisis in Nigeria, are not too thrilled about one of their leaders
accepting such trips.
A trader, Moses Akwu told The Punch that "Things are
hard for us in Niger while our governor is travelling to watch matches. I heard
they said he was invited but is it not government resources that he used to go
on the trip?
"We did not vote him in to watch football, we voted
him because we want him to work and bring back the lost glory of the state.
Watching matches is not governance, it is absolute recklessness."
Another resident, Gambo Mohammed, said the governor needed
to focus on governance.
"Sports development is not what Niger State needs
now. We need jobs for our unemployed youths, boost for our economy and
agriculture, and good roads."
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