An extraordinary congress of the Abia State Football Association (FA), held on December 3, 2024, at the FA Secretariat in Umuahia North Council, has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of its chairman, Rev. Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala (MBBS), while suspending eight members of the association over alleged forgery and misconduct.

The meeting, convened in accordance with Article 29 of the Abia State FA Statutes (2010), attracted a well-attended quorum. The congress deliberated extensively on allegations of forgery involving purported signatures of FA members and a fabricated document claiming that a vote of no confidence had been passed on the chairman on November 18, 2024.

In a unanimous resolution, the congress declared that no such meeting had taken place and condemned the document as fraudulent.

1. Vote of Confidence on the Chairman:

The congress reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in Rev. Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala as the duly elected chairman of the Abia State FA.

Eight officials, including Vice Chairman Mr. Okechi Ubani and several board members, were indefinitely suspended from all football-related activities. The suspensions were enacted under Articles 14(1)(a)(b), 14(2)(3), and 5 of the Abia State FA Statutes (2010).

The congress found that the accused officials forged signatures of legitimate FA congress members to fabricate a document claiming the impeachment of the chairman. Investigation revealed that the alleged signatories denied any involvement, with some publicly refuting their participation in the purported November 18 meeting.

The congress further clarified that the only officially scheduled FA congress is set to take place on January 17, 2025, with a sole agenda of conducting a by-election to replace the late board member from Umunneochi, Coach John Offor.

The individuals suspended for their roles in the forgery scandal include:

1. Mr. Okechi Ubani - Vice Chairman, Abia FA

2. Sir Charles Nwokocha - Board Member, Abia FA

3. Hon. Godson Eluwa - Board Member, Abia FA

4. Chief Ogechukwu Kalu - Board Member, Abia FA

5. Engr. Kelechi Nnorom - Board Member, Abia FA

6. Matador Ogunta - Chairman, Abia Referee Council

7. Mr. Iheanacho Chukwuemeka - Secretary, Abia Referee Council

8. Mr. Daniel Ikeme Kalu - Former FA Secretary

The congress emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity and discipline within the Abia State FA. It resolved to take further legal and procedural measures to protect the association’s credibility.

This extraordinary session underscores the Abia State FA’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of football in the state.