By Joe Apu

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Factional Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Vincent Okumagba has come down hard on Dr. Rabiu Ladipo and Rev. Samuel Ikpea, labelling them imposters and describing them as the real trouble within the supporters club family.
Reacting to a story on his alleged plan to cause mayhem in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State come June 10, when the Super Eagles of Nigeria takes on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in an AFCON 2019 qualifier, Okumagba maintained that he remains the authentic Chairman of the club as recognised by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
He told Daily Sunsport that he and his group had remained committed to giving support to the Super  Eagles, clubs on continental assignments and did not understand why Dr.  Ladipo who joined the club like everyone else was bent on making the club his personal estate.
“Dr. Ladipo and his group have continued to malign my character and even when I confronted them, they denied granting any interview to the media. For the records, Ladipo and his group of confused followers failed to follow the electoral guidelines as spelt out by the NFF.  There was an election in Abuja supervised by Mrs. Tayo Oreweme of the Sports Ministry and Senator Obinna Ogba of the House Committee of sports where I was elected and Ladipo’s group failed to show up even when they were signatory to the agreement that election be conducted in Abuja. Instead, he went ahead to conduct an illegal election in Lagos.
“As I speak with you, no less than 18 active state affiliates have written to the NFF to state their loyalty to my group. I have been to several matches and there has been no fracas but they are getting agitated that corporate Nigeria has realised the truth and as such want to cause disaffection. Dr.  Ladipo and his group cannot continue to hold the club to ransom.
“They are not the only ones in the supporters Club.  As chairman during his tenure, he conducted election, same for Adenrele Yusuf. Why the change when it was my turn to conduct election. Truth is that he is not ready for change even when his time is now history and the office of President General is illegal given the club constitution.
“They have peddled rumours that I am a fraudster and a visa racketeer but I challenge them to come out with proof.  If at any time the Interpol or any embassy proves the contrary, I assure you that I  will resign my position forthwith. They are the ones that have skeleton their cupboards. I am a serious business man with proven income and as such cannot depend on the Club to take my children and family members abroad.”
Okumagba further pointed out that the fact that Dr Ladipo registered the club during his tenure as chairman did not mean the club is his personal estate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be known that we will be in Uyo to drum the Eagles to victory over South Africa.”