Owumi hails Baribote’s sack, praises club bosses

By Ben Efe

Former Nigeria Premier League board chairman, Davidson Owumi has commended Nigerian club chairmen for rescuing their league from the jaws of decay.

Owumi was eased out by vested interests in the Nigeria Football Federation circle, despite providing a purposeful direction for the NPL. He was replaced by Victor Baribote, but after one year of topsy turvy administration, Mr. Baribote was shown the exit door, after the various club chairmen refused to endorse his leadership. They accused him of  ‘incompetence’ and the NFF toed the line of the club chairmen on Thursday.

“It is good riddance to bad rubbish. And I must commend the club chairmen for saving their league,” declared Owummi, a former distinguished player who rose to the position of  club chairman with Rangers International of Enugu.

He accused NPL followers, including media practitioners, of failing to stand on the side of the truth, when he was edged out and Baribote planted on the seat.

“It was glaring that illegality was being forced on the NPL back then. But those who should have stood on the side of truth and save our football chose to keep quiet. What happened took our football 20 years back and now I can only wish that we chart a way forward,” said the Delta born Owummi.

He added that he would be taking a back seat and watch events unfold.

The league is expected to commence in February 2013 after four months of delay.