From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Controversy has trailed a sponsorship kit deal between the management of Bayelsa United and Halkin Exploration and Production Limited for the 2023/2024 football season.
The unveiling of the company as the sponsor of the kit had triggered negative reactions because of the involvement of the company in the revocation of the prized Atala Oil field by the Federal Government.
Those against the deal had argued that Bayelsa State should not be doing business with a company it is fighting to get back its oil assets.
The negative reaction to the sponsorship deal had forced the Bayelsa United Football club through its secretary, Odogu Ken Ekpolaemi to write to the Nigeria Premier Football League seeking to withdraw the shirt sponsorship agreement based on ‘’legal issues the state government have with the company’’.
The state government in its reaction has described the sponsorship deal as embarrassing adding that ‘’ it neither approved nor endorsed such a deal for the team in the ongoing football season.’’
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah said the reports about the kitting deal were mischievous as they were presented as having the governor’s consent.
The statement noted that while Governor Diri has been a strong advocate of private sector investment in sports, his administration would however not accept any arrangement that ignored due diligence and due process.
According to Alabrah, preliminary investigation revealed that due diligence and the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities were ignored in the deal.
It reads in part: “The State Governor, Senator Diri, expresses surprise and embarrassment over reports of a new kit sponsorship deal signed by the state-owned football team, Bayelsa United.
“The governor wishes to unequivocally place on record that he is not aware of any such deal involving Bayelsa United and Halkin Exploration and Production Limited.
“Governor Diri has consequently directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel Igali, and the Bayelsa United chairman, Ebiki Timitimi, to immediately halt the process pending the conclusion of a full-scale investigation into the matter.”
The government cautioned its boards, agencies and parastatals against acting unilaterally on matters concerning the state to avoid unpleasant consequences.