The management of Owerri Club, Imo State has suspended 24 members of the club over alleged non-payment of dues in the last two years.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspension is the climax of the crisis that has been rocking the club.
Besides accusing the Club Chairman, Barrister NBE Nwigwe of highhandedness and corrupt enrichment, some trustees of the club are reported to have also dragged the chairman to court.
The suspended members include Hon Ray Emeana, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN; Chief CY Anyanwu, Mr. Onyebuchi Obinwa, Dr. Chiemeka Onyema, Dcn Udo Okereke, Arc Amaugi Ugorji, Sir Felix Duruaku, Chief Ernest Ekemezie, Eze George Eke, Dr. Jude Ohanele and Engr.. Akin Orumuyi.
Barrister Nwigwe confirmed the suspension to National Newsbreak on Saturday via telephone.
He said the affected members refused to pay their dues for about 18 months, an action that is in breach of the club’s constitution.
According to the chairman, after appealing to them to pay or resign their membership, the club had to suspend them.
Nwigwe said windows of reconciliation are still open for an amicable settlement of the rift.
He however dismissed allegations of highhandedness and corrupt enrichment slammed on him by the aggrieved members.
Nwigwe said; “Some members refused to pay their dues up to `18 months against the constitution. After warning them, telling them to resign, we sacked them. They are up to 24.
“Naturally, people will react when they are sacked. There is room for amicable settlement. There is nothing in this world that cannot be settled.
“The thing is that some of suspended members were thought untouchables. So, touching them will kick up dust”.
Nwigwe refuted the allegation that he was unable to account for donations made in respect of a member of the club who was recently kidnapped.
Hear him; “When you are chasing after somebody, you need to find something. Apart from rescuing him, he was given the balance of what was realized. It is not only Owerri Club that donated money to rescue him. Oweri Sports Club contributed money.
“People who thought they were untouchables, when you touch them, there are bound to be reactions’.
Owerri Club was established in 1976.
