The Delta State Sports Commission in a statement, has denied an online publication claiming that the Commission’s boss, Chief Tonobok Okowa, shortchanged Delta Queens Football Club players and officials of N1.1m each.
The statement, signed by the Commission’s Media Team read: “The allegations by the online publication was not only spurious, lacking in concrete evidence but a by-product of hear-say, aimed at tarnishing the image of the Sports Commission’s hierarchy.
“The master-minders of the malicious publication anchored by Sahara Reporters medium failed in its bid to extort money from the Sports Commission’s boss.”
“Is it not unimaginable and uncharitable that the Delta State Commission Chairman should stoop so low to shortchange Delta Queens football officials who obviously needed much more motivation to achieve goals set before them by the sports loving Governor of the State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“Again, detractors such as Sahara Reporters medium and their cohorts have also failed to comprehend the workings of Government in nascent digital world”.
“For public enlightenment purposes, not all proposals sent to government for approval comes out intact. Expectedly, the Sports Commission is in position to judiciously manage funds approved for its activities by government for good purposes.
“It’s however pathetic to note that detractors may have sighted budget proposals but covertly omitted final government approved funds.”
The Media Team asserted that, “It would be mere waste of time to join issues with Sahara reporters medium overtly noted for such outdated style of journalism. You don’t throw stones at every dog that barks at you when you are on a serious mission. We can’t be distracted.
“It’s also curious that those peddling the unfounded rumours against the Commission are themselves gullible for working in the opposite direction for the set goals of sports in Delta State. All records on how funds were disbursed are intact and once more, the Commission will not succumb to wanton intimidation or cheap blackmail just to press for gratifications”
“The Commission is also aware of wicked envy which its successes in Sports over the years have attracted to the state, but won’t be deterred or relent in all efforts to forge ahead with the Commission’s mandate to be loyal, develop and tirelessly motivate all Sports Associations under the Commission to greater achievements now and in future.
“The Commission under Chief Tonobok Okowa’s watch also wants to reiterate its commitment without any form of ambiguity to sports officials, athletes and the good people of Delta State.”
The statement further noted that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Sports Commission boss is ready to grant interviews if need be to any media to shame enemies of sports.
