17th NSF: ‘Rivers Won’t Buy Medals’ …Widens Lead

The Chairman, Team Rivers in the on-going National Sports Festival, Mr. Boma Iyaye, says allegations that the state bought medals were baseless and unfounded.

Iyaye’s reaction was sequel to allegations by the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Sports, Mr John Tamaha that some states spent N200,000 to buy medals at the Garden City Games.

Speaking to sports writers in Port Harcourt, Mr Tamaha mentioned Rivers, Lagos and Edo State as chief culprits.

He said hosting the sports festival did not mean that the host state should win at all costs.

“It is very bad and not good for the festival,” he said. But reacting to the allegation, chairman of team Rivers, Boma Iyaye descried it as untrue.

“It is the lamentation of someone who has failed. Rivers state has worked hard for this games and we prepared for it for two years.

“We deserve every medal we have won. Let the affected state go back and prepare and meet us in the next festival holding in Lagos,” he said.

As at press time, Rivers state extended its medals lead with 78 gold, 35 silver and 44 bronze medals while Niger state is 24th with 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.

They are followed by Delta with 42 gold, 46 silver and 45 bronze totaling 133 medals and Edo in the third position with 18 gold, 14 silver and 20 bronze.

Bayelsa are fourth with 14 gold, 8 silver and 16 bronze medals.

According to the table, Gombe, Kebbi and Sokoto have yet to win any medal.

A total of 244 gold, 240 silver and 346 bronze medals have so far been won at the Games.

Rivers State Governor. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (middle) and his wife, Judith, toasting with the in-coming District Manager of AIRFRANCE KLM, Mr Benoit Autret (left), during the sentforth party of his predecessor, Mr Yann Gilbert (2nd left) at Goverment House Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.