Indications are pointing to the fact that Cross River State is not represented at the National Youths Games in Ilori.
According to reliable information, Governor Ben Ayade did not approved any disbursement of funds for the athletes to move to Ilori. Speaking with one of the athlete that has been warming up for the competition, he said on telephone that they are yet to receive a green light from the Commissioner of Youths and Sports.
The athlete went on to say that at one point they were told that the Cross River State government did not register the athletes for the competition.
According to the National Sport Commission, States are mandated to register for the competition with 5 Million Naira. And failure to register will attract a 10 Million Naira fine and a ban from subsequent competition.
It is also true that Cross River State did not attend last 4 competitions.
With these developments, it is obvious from the governor’s body language that the National Sport Festival tagged Calabar 2016 may not also hold as the governor has not fulfilled any of the promises he made a month ago when he visited the UJ Esuene Stadium.
The National Youths Sport Competition already started on the 21th of September.
Efforts to get a response from Orok Duke who is the Director General of Cross River State Sports Commission proved abortive as his numbers were turned off.