October 12, (THEWILL) – The Executive Vice chairman of Lobi Stars Football club of Makurdi, Mr Dominic Iorfa, has denied allegations of diverting club revenues for personal use.
He said the allegations that he forged a board resolution in 2006 and opened an account with HSBC London with his family members as directors of the club, and used same to divert €500,000 accrued from the sale of Taye Taiwo to Olympic Marseille, France, in 2006 is malicious.
Dismissing such allegations as the handwork of some elements, who tagged themselves as ‘Benue State Sports stakeholders Forum’, Iorfa stated that at no point in time did he divert another $150,000 accrued to the club from the sale of former Lobi Stars player, Tony Okpotu, to a Libyan club for personal use.
The Lobi Stars club Vice chairman alleged that certain cabal, who were in connivance with the past leadership of the club, were siphoning money through dubious transactions such as hotel bills, feedings and medical expenses in which he squashed such on assumption of duty at their charging.
“They are angry with me that I have remove ‘food’ in their mouth. I did not apply for this job. But was invited for a rescue mission. When time comes, His Excellency will ask me to leave and that’s it.
“I won’t be distracted. For now, our duty is to take the club to Continental engagement next season and we have started well, placing first or second on the premier league table and we won’t relent.”
Iorfa, who announced the suspension of the club’s Team Manager, Mr Gabriel Ogwuche, for leaking and spreading falsehood about the club, called on members of the public to disregard such unfounded rumours but stand by the club to excel.
According to Mr Iorfa, the suspended Team Manager has already been replaced by former player of the club, Mr Odey Ogar, in acting capacity, while Eugene Agagbe was unveiled as the Head Coach with Felix Pilakyaa as Welfare Officer.
He attributed the feat so far recorded by the club to governor Hyacinth Alia and his Deputy, Dr Sam Odeh, for releasing funds as when due despite the financial challenges on ground.
Responding on behalf of members of Sports Writers Association (SWAN), the State chairman, John Shiaondo, commended Mr Iorfa for rescuing the club when it was relegation bound, and called on him to involve relevant stakeholders in the running of the club.
He expressed satisfaction with steps so far taken to reposition the club and charged him not to look back as distraction is part of the game.
While pledging to mobilise members to give adequate publicity to activities of the club, Comrade Shiaondo hoped that governor Alia will soon ensure the completion of renovation work at the Aper Aku township stadium, Makurdi, for Lobi Stars football to start playing their matches here other than elsewhere.
