Rivers state athletes have alleged that the state officials have perfected plans to divert their allowances as they participate at the ongoing National Sports Festival.
Athletes who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they are yet to receive their allowances since they entered Abuja on December 6th.
The athletes told www.aclsports.com that the officials may not pay athletes if they fail to win a medal.
One of the athletes said, “Before we came for the National Sports Festival, Rivers state government camped us for a week but did not pay us. The officials promised that when we come to Abuja, the money will be released.
“The officials are waiting for the athletes to lose in their respective sports in order to siphon their allowances. The state government has to come to our rescue because we are frustrated and demoralised”.
Another athlete said, “I am tired of suffering and smiling in Abuja, I would have stayed at home with my parents instead of coming to pass through hell in Abuja.
“The officials have been enjoying themselves at the game festival but the athletes are passing through hell”.