Ernest Osogbue
In an unexpected twist by providence, Victor Okorie, who was accused of ineligibility at the AFN zonal elections held yesterday, was roundly trounced by another renowned retired athlete to become the southeast representative in the AFN.
Olympic gold medalist Clement Chukwu had petitioned the AFN authorities notifying them of Okorie’s ineligibility to contest the election, having been declared bankrupt in the United States some time ago. Contrary to expectations, AFN and NSC bigwigs, instead of upholding the rules by disqualifying Okorie, insisted on his being on the ballot in the belief that he could win the election.
Providence, however, decided otherwise. With three contestants vying for the southeast representative, Patrick Estate Onyedum pulled out of the race in the last minute, paving the way for Innocent Ugochuku Iheme and Victor Okorie to go head to head.
After voting, Iheme dusted Okorie to emerge the southeast representative to the embarrassment of AFN and NSC bigwigs who thought they could circumvent the rules.
For the records, Innocent Iheme, who was a 100m and 200m runner in his active days, has been a pillar of athletics development in the southeast since his retirement. Despite being based in the UK with his family, he’s a part of CLIMM FOUNDATION, the organization responsible for organizing the annual Southeast U-16 Track and Field championship since 2021. The 5th edition of the championship is currently at the planning stage and may likely be held in October this year.
Many budding athletes have been discovered at the championship. Some of whom are on scholarship in various schools in Nigeria. Others have secured sponsorships and are currently studying in the US and other countries while pursuing their athletics career.
Last year, Iheme built, furnished, and donated an ultramodern hostel to Abia State athletes at the Umuahia Township Stadium. His eldest son, Divine Iheme, became the World U-14 100m record holder last year, having posted a time of 10.30 seconds in a UK athletics meet. As the boy develops, it is believed he will one day don the colors of his father land to bring glory and honor to Nigeria and to his family.
Kjnnetwork.com reports that Innocent Iheme, is currently in the country, and will be available to vote in the upcoming AFN presidential election. Congratulations to him on his election.
