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Onigbogbo monarch locks out ex-SSFN boss
Ex-president of Special Sports Federation of Nigeria (SSFN), now Nigerian Paralympic Committee (NPC) and MD/CEO of Mobility Aid & Appliances Research & Development Centre (MAARDEC), Cosmas Okoli, got the rudest shock of his life on Monday when his landlord of 18 years Jonathan Akanni, the Baale of Maryland, Onigbogbo Local Government padlocked his office over unresolved quit notice allegedly issued to him four years ago.
Although the office was unlocked much later after several hours of negotiation by the parties, Okoli who took time to explain the details of the rift to Vandykesport.com, however described the ugly incident as unwarranted and calculated attempt to smear his name.
“We never disagreed with him that we will not go, neither are we owing him, we only requested for a few time to tidy up our new office accommodation, so it is surprising for us to come to work this morning to see our office padlocked by our landlord.
“When I requested to know from him why he decided to padlock my office, he said I refused to make a definite undertaking on the time I will leave, I told him that would not have been a problem, that I need three or two months to put finishing on the new office complex I am putting in place. He said no rather he would give me two weeks, I agreed but even the two weeks he is still playing pranks over it.
“We don’t have a place to go now, our office is not completed, there are scaffoldings all over the place which is not yet safe for us to move in, I requested for a few months to put the place in order.
“Why locking us out, see my workers exposed to harsh weather, some of our clients have come and gone, some are in their cars watching the ugly scene. It is bad; MAARDEC has done a lot for this country to be meted out this inhumane treatment.”
Okoli who challenged the government to audit their books, however bemoaned attitude of Nigerians to the people with disabilities.
“Nigerians attitude leave much to be desired, we want empowerment, we want legislation to protect our rights. We can’t go to school, we can’t go to market, we can’t work in the street because there is no provision for our type of people. Nigerians attitude leaves much to be desired.
“Let government come and audit us, if they do and are responsible government, they will provide us with all we need to function perfectly,” he said.
However, the monarch who admitted leasing out the property for 99 years, while insisting that the MAARDEC boss does not want to relocate, however said whatever reprieve he grants to the embattled president of the Achilles Sports Club will not be binding on the lease owners.
“I informed Mr. Okoli four years ago that the property is under lease for 99 years, now I have very little say over the property. Although, I have asked him to meet with my lawyer so that he can make an undertaking when to leave, however I will not abide by it. The truth is that he does want to leave, I can only give two weeks, it is still not guaranteed,” he said.
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