Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Governor in hot water after accepting Obi Mikel's invitation to Chelsea vs. Arsenal


By Rob Usry 
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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