By Jacob Ajom
Former African and Commonwealth Superlight weight boxing champion, Obisia Nwankpa has risen in strong defence of the sportsmen and women who organised a rally at the national stadium, Lagos in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for the PDP presidential ticket ahead of the 2011 presidential polls.

President Goodluck Jonathan poses with members of the Super Eagles.

Speaking at the venue of the rally Tuesday, the former boxing champion said, “we are supporting Jonathan because he encouraged us. For the first time in a very long time now, we have not seen what we witnessed in India during the Commonwealth Games. Athletes allowances were paid timely and everybody was happy because they felt their efforts were appreciated. That aside we have seen a new thrust in athletes’ welfare and wish this will continue,” Obisia said.

Speaking further, Obisia said those who said politics and sports could not mix were missing the point. “Good leadership rubs off on sports just as bad leadership can affect sports negatively. We want continuity in policy implementation. Having been happy with what we have seen of Jonathan so far, we want him to continue.”

Co-ordinator of the rally and President of Nigeria Olympians Association, Henry Amike said the idea about the rally had been conceived long ago and with the materialisation of the Tuesday event, “more rallies will be organised. “We are going to see more of this until our mission is accomplished,” Amike said.