By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The presidential ambition of the frontrunner in the forthcoming Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Presidential Election, Dr. Christian Emeruwa has received further boost as the Executive Governor of Abia State. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has thrown the full weight of the state behind the aspirant.
The Governor made the official declaration on Saturday when he received Dr. Emeruwa who hails from Ikwuano-Oboro Local Government Area in Umuahia, Abia state, at the Governor’s Lodge in Aba, the commercial nerve center of Nigeria.
Dr. Ikpeazu who attentively listened to Dr. Emeruwa who briefly presented his strategic plan for Nigeria football, expressed his joy that one of his indigenes has a lofty vision that can transform Nigeria football.
The Governor who has been funding two Nigerian Premier League clubs Enyimba International and Abia Warriors Football Clubs since he came into office seven and half years ago commended Dr. Emeruwa’s bold steps to run for the NFF President post.
An elated Ikpeazu therefore welcomed him to Abia state and assured Dr. Emeruwa of the full support of the people and government of Abia state led by his good self.
He also encouraged Dr. Emeruwa to trudge on, saying that it will be a good thing for an Abia indigene who is a technocrat that understands the game to champion the way the game will be administered in Nigeria.
He said: “I am highly impressed with what I have seen and heard. Above all, it will be a good thing for an Abia indigene who is a serving international football technocrat that understands the game to champion the way the game will be administered in Nigeria”.
“I assure you that you will have the full support of the people and government of Abia state led by my humble self to ensure that you realise your ambition to become the next President of NFF come September 30 in Benin City, Edo state.
The visit to Governor Ikpeazu was part of Dr. Emeruwa’s wide consultations with critical stakeholders in football in Nigeria including state governments that sponsor most of the football clubs playing in various Nigerian football leagues.
Dr. Emeruwa will also during the trip hold strategic meetings with critical stakeholders in the South East before returning to Abuja to continue his engagements with other Election Delegates ahead of the the September 30 NFF Elective Congress in Benin City.