Politics
IKE Klinsmann Ohamadike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, has called on the federal government to honour Mikel Obi, captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He urged the government to confer on Obi the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, for serving the nation while his father was with kidnappers.
He said it was very painful that Obi and his family were made to endure yet another terrible experience in the hands of some faceless unpatriotic individuals after the unfortunate incidence of 2011 where his father was kidnapped, beaten mercilessly and left for dead. According to him, the recent incidence was both pathetic and evil, coming at a time when Obi was on a national assignment for the nation in Russia.
“It should be recalled that Obi’s father Pa Micheal Obi was kidnapped just four hours before our game against Argentina when they were already on their way to the stadium. Yet in spite of this trauma, he elected as a captain of the national team to carry the weight and burden of our qualification on his shoulders.
“How he got the strength, stamina, fitness and composure to play that match the way he did is still a mystery bearing in mind that he was aware that his father could be killed the very minute he steps on that pitch. This is very painful to us. Our hearts bleed in Neni, Agulu, Abagana, Umudioka Ukpo, Enugwu-Ukwu and all the towns in Anambra State.
“It was the same Obi that single-handedly paid his teammates hotel bills in Russia for four days before the Sports Ministry received funds from Nigeria. Our brother Obi later informed the press that he got a call from the kidnappers about four hours before Nigeria’s World Cup match in St Petersburg against Argentina where they demanded the sum of $28,000 to secure his father’s release.
“It should be recalled that the Enugu State police command had rescued Obi’s father after six days in captivity. He is receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained from the hands of his captors,” he said.
Ohamadike called on the perpetrators of this heinous crime to please leave the Super Eagles captain and his family alone. “We have taken this case before the presence of God and pray that God in his mercy will hearken to our cries and bring these perpetrators to justice.
“We hold this firm belief that men and women of this great nation who have rendered exceptional services to the benefit of this nation should be appreciated and encouraged. In view of this unprecedented sacrifices and patriotism exhibited by our brother Mikel Obi, we therefore, call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to confer on our brother with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). This will encourage our youths, bring out the best in them and show that patriotism and nationalism can indeed be rewarded in this great nation,” he said.
– Jul. 4, 2018 @ 13:15 GMT |
Tags: PDP chieftain urges FG to confer CFR on Mikel Obi
