Having failed with their protest over unpaid sign-on fees on Tuesdays, players of Rivers United have resorted to appealing to the state government.
The Port Harcourt-based outfit had embarked on a mass protest against the Governor Nyesom Wike-led government, hoping to fast-track the payment of their three-year-old fees.
But their complaint fell on deaf ears and the players have now resorted to pleading with the state governor.
“The governor addressed us personally at the government house and he promised to ensure we get the money as soon as possible,” Captain of the team, Austin Festus, told Complete Sports on Wednesday.
“He has been too good to us by ensuring prompt payment of our salaries since he became governor of the state and the sign-on fees were owed by the former governor.
“He has already approved the payment of the money and we apologised to him for not using a more subtle way of resolving the issue.”
Pictures of the players discussing with Wike, while one of them prostrated before the governor, went viral on Tuesday.
The club’s media officer, Sammy Wejinya, also corroborated Festus’ views in a statement he released earlier on Tuesday.
“This morning, players of Rivers United FC went to the Rivers State Government House to press home demands for the payment of sign-on fees for the 2014/15 football season,” Wejinya wrote.
“It should be noted that these monies were owed by the previous administration, before the merger, and during the days of Sharks and Dolphins FC.
“The governor addressed the players personally and promised to look into their demands.”
Rivers will be aiming to better their 15th place finish next season, which begins January 14.
