FORMER Abia state governor Orji Uzor Kalu yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a national emergency to stem the unprecendented decline of sports in the country.Kalu who took Nigerian football to glory through Enyimba in 20032004 posited that except drastic steps were taken by the Presidency, Nigerians would have nothing to cheer in 2012."One powerful cord of national unity is sports, if we lose it then there is cause for concern. 'Declare state of emergency in sports'President Jonathan should take over the running of sports for now by declaring a national emergency. It has gone beyond changing ministers and coaches," Kalu said."The horn cannot be too heavy for the head of the cow. President Jonathan is passionate about sports. He was at the Sydney 2000 Olympics as Deputy governor. Besides, this will not be the first time a Nigerian leader will head a ministry. At a time, General Ibrahim Babangida had no Defence minister. Under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the ministry of Petroleum Resources was at the Presidency and until now, President Jonathan managed the Power ministry," Kalu pointed out.On the way forward, the ex-governor reiterated his call for a National Conference on Sports to be co-chaired by either the Sultan of Sokoto or the Emir of Ilorin."Let us convene a Sports Conference to be co-chaired by either the Sultan or the Emir of Ilorin,these are great men who can help chart a new direction for Nigerian sports. Both will see the problem and recommend a solution."Kalu pointed out.
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