Football development is our business, says Benue FA Chairman
…Lobi Stars Controversy, internal affairs
BY BEN NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Barrister Paul Edeh has clearly said the association is only committed to the development of football at all times without meddling in the daily activities of any club in the state.
Edeh, in a statement on Monday August 28, called on stakeholders in the state, particularly in football to exercise restrain, be patient and tolerant as the current administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia will consider most appropriate decision regarding Lobi Stars at the right time
Edeh in reference to recent occurrences since assumption of office, said, “I have for the past few days read with fascination the arguments on this platform regarding the leadership of Lobi Stars FC arising from the stakeholders’ meeting held by His Excellency, governor Alia last week with Lobi Stars stakeholders.
“I have also been inundated with calls and messages seeking to know the position of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA) on the issue.
“The position of the BSFA is that the matter at hand is the internal affairs of Lobi Stars FC, which is an affiliate of the BSFA like every other club in the state.
“The BSFA under my watch will not interfere with the internal affairs of any of its affiliates, including Lobi Stars FC, especially when its opinion is not sought. However, we will offer guidance and advice when called upon to do so as a body responsible for administering football in the state.”
He stressed that the BSFA will continue to maintain its independence in football matters in Benue State and protect the sanctity of its statutes and that of the NFF.
“Furthermore, the BSFA under my watch will continue to insist on cordiality amongst all football stakeholders in the State and encourage all members of the Benue football family to please identify and promote what unites us as stakeholders which will lead to the development of the game so we can together put Benue State back in the Nigerian Football map once again.”
Edeh noted that they must eschew verbal abuses and stalking each other when they voice their opinions adding, “We must understand that it is our divergence that most often brings out the best in us and makes us much stronger as critical stakeholders. Hence, when we ventilate our grievances, let’s not do so to the point of being disrespectful to one another. Let’s focus more on ideas that will promote football in our dear state. This was the point of the Stakeholders meeting that the BSFA Board organised in Makurdi a few weeks ago.
“There is no way we can move football forward in Benue State with the discordant tunes sung for the past few days. It is clear to me that there are challenges bedevilling football in Benue State, wounds have been inflicted in the past, a lot of us have been trampled upon and we all want football in the State administered better.
“I will continue to appeal to all aggrieved individuals to please trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel and crave the indulgence of all stakeholders to please trust the Board under my watch that we will change the narrative of football in Benue State and make the State the pride of football again.
“As the saying goes, a house divided against itself can not stand. Let’s desist from washing our dirty linen in public and be conscious of the fact that the internet does not forget issues that are brought to public space. Let us together build and grow the game. Let it start from this point forward and not backward. Let’s re-channel our energy towards promoting the game from the grassroots to the centre.
Edeh admonished all concerned Benue football family to sheathe their swords on the matter involving Lobi Stars as the general public awaits the final verdict of the Governor.
“We will continue to hope for the best for Lobi Stars FC and support the decision that our governor will consider most appropriate for the Club given the circumstance irrespective of where the pendulum swings, and we must continue to join hands together as Benue Football Family to support Lobi Stars FC as the pride of Benue State to succeed regardless of the storms.”
He reiterated the resolve of BSFA to maintain an open door policy for all to make meaningful contributions geared towards the upliftment of football in the state.