Former Lobi Stars head coach Justin Tenger has pleaded with the side financiers, Benue state government, to quickly pay him his outstanding two-month salaries.
The former Akwa United coach was dropped from the coaching crew in January 2016 and replaced by the incumbent, Godwin Uwua, after he guided the side to the 2015 Federation Cup final loss to winners, Akwa United.
Tenger, who likened his dismissal from Lobi Stars to a coup d’état, prayed to be given the honour to enjoy the fruit of his labour. Right now he is still alive and kicking.
“I don’t want them to shower me with praises when I’m dead as they are doing to the likes of Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi. I want the government to pay me my two months salaries.
“Of course, you know the dead don’t talk so now that I’m alive my salaries for the months of December 2015 – January 2016 are yet to be paid.
“Nobody would deny the fact that I was not Lobi Stars head coach during the period.
“The inauguration of my successors was done on Monday, January 18 and going by the civil service rules I’m ably qualified to collect salary for the month of January.
“I’m compelled to complain openly after keeping calm and quiet all these months without fruitful response from the government.
“I equated my dismissal from Lobi Stars to a coup d’état as we have it in the military.
“I’m no more bordered with the manner I was pushed away after years of meritorious services to the club as player and coach.
“The government should avoid further disgrace to owe me the stipend till death at least the salaries will be quite useful to me now than when I’m no more,” said the former Niger Tornadoes coach to supersport.com.
Tenger insisted that he is fit and strong to be on the bench for one more season.
“I’m retired but not tired at least I can comfortably sit on the bench for one season.
“I’m at home and available for any team that will require my coaching services,” said Tenger.
The experienced coach was overlooked for contract renewal at the end of the 2014/15 season but he succeeded in keeping the Pride of Benue in the top-flight as well as runners-up of the 2015 Federation Cup.
