Heartland player blasts Shehu Dikko, Imo state government
...Club settles only one month salary
By Chidera Akalonu
Heartland Management and Imo state sports commisioner are at it again.
Investigations by Newstap.com.ng reveal that only a few players received alert of one month salary 14th February, 2022.
Information volunteered by a top management official confirmed that much.
The other players were told to visit the club’s office to sign attestation of no indebtedness before they can be paid.
About two weeks ago it was all over the media that the Imo state governor Sen. Hope Uzodinma released six months salaries outstanding arrears and bonuses for the players.
Also last week the players visited the sports commissioner’s office where he showed them the signed approval of the six months salaries by the governor.
The question now is why are players being paid one month salary and being forced to sign attestation of no indebtedness despite being owed for up to ten months. Most of the players have objected to signing that form.
Will LMC led by Shehu Dikko keep pampering Heartland due to perceived personal pecuniary benefits at the detriment of the players?
Speaking to the media, one of the players of Heartland who opted to speak anonymously said Whatever Players of Heartland and other clubs are passing through in the NPFL as it relates to breach of contract and unpaid wages is caused by LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko.
“I can say it without mincing words that what we are passing through in the NPFL is caused by LMC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, I used to respect that man, but the incidents in Heartland have made him lose my respect. I am a graduate and I have taken my time to read the league rules. Can LMC quote which part of the rule gave them the backing to extend the date they said Heartland will be sanctioned if they fail to pay?”
“It’s unfortunate that we are in the hands of politicians running our football, little wonder the commissioner boasted to us that they will not pay and LMC will not do anything.”
I think I need to dust my CV and see if I’ll be able to get a job in the saturated Nigeria Labour market to take care of myself and immediate family. It’s terrible and torturing playing professional football in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the NFF and FIFA are not helping us at all” he concluded.
