Idoko rages, says Lobi forensic report maligns his reputation

Idoko rages, says Lobi forensic report maligns his reputation

One of the three former vice chairmen purportedly indicted by the White Paper on the Forensic Audit Investigation into the financial transactions of Lobi Stars, Mike Idoko has described the report as not only distressing but a misrepresentative of his unwavering commitment and sacrifices for the club.

Idoko, who led Lobi Stars to win the Nigeria Professional Football League in 2018 leading to a historic return to continental football through qualification for the CAF Champions League 2018/2019, said in a message he personally signed that the allegations against him negate the legacy of commitment and sacrifice he gave the state.

"While I fully respect the investigative process and the intent to ensure transparency and accountability, I must unequivocally state that the claims against my person and tenure are both distressing and misrepresentative of my unwavering commitment and sacrifices for the club.

"When I assumed leadership of Lobi Stars Football Club in 2016, the club faced a dire need for stability, direction, and a revival of its glory days. Through tireless effort and strategic management, I was able to achieve the following milestones:

" In 2016, the club finished 5th on the league table while in 2017 it secured 7th place, demonstrating consistent performance and the team capped it up by winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title, marking a historic return to continental football through qualification for the CAF Champions League 2018/2019.

"This achievement mirrored the success I had as Team Manager during the 1999/2000 season. In 2019, the team finished as runners-up, with another strong showing in the 2019/2020 season, finishing in 3rd place while in 2021, when he was exiting in April, the team was ranked 5th on the table.

"One of my earliest initiatives upon taking over the club was to institute transparency and accountability in all financial and administrative operations. I introduced a system where all payments—salaries, bonuses, and other entitlements—were made directly to players and staff through their bank accounts. This ensured that everyone received their due promptly and accurately while eliminating loopholes for potential mismanagement of funds, he said.

Idoko stressed that the financial demands of managing a professional football club are widely recognized, and government subventions often fall short of the immediate needs for salaries, logistics, and matchday expenses.
"On numerous occasions, I personally sourced funds to ensure the club’s operations continued seamlessly. This included mortgaging personal properties and depleting my resources to keep the club functioning.

"These sacrifices came at a significant personal cost, including strain on my family and the loss of personal assets. However, my love for Lobi Stars FC and my commitment to its success have never wavered.

"As one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football administrators, my track record spans five of the six geopolitical zones, with each marked by significant achievements. The reputation I have built over decades in Nigerian football is now being unfairly tarnished, despite my dedication to the sport and to Lobi Stars," he added.

The former General Manager of Sunshine Stars of Akure urged stakeholders and the general public to reflect on his achievements and the sacrifices he made during his tenure.

"Instead of vilifying individuals who have devoted their lives to the growth of Nigerian football, we should focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration to ensure the continued progress of Lobi Stars Football Club."

He reaffirm his willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigative processes to clear his name and protect the legacy of Lobi Stars FC—"a club I have nurtured like my own child. I remain confident that the truth will prevail, and my enduring contributions to Nigerian football will speak for themselves."