NFF CRISIS: Dalung issues position

THE attention of the Hon Minister of Youth and Sports Barr Solomon Dalung, has been drawn to the ruling of a High Court in Jos last Friday, which nullified the election of the present Nigeria Football Federation Board – NFF; a development that has created confusion and apprehension in the minds of football loving Nigerians.

The import of the Court’s order, is to the effect that there is leadership crisis in the NFF; more so, when the public has been treated to conflicting Press statements from the two sides laying claim to the leadership of the Federation.

The Minister wishes to hereby state unequivocally that the present Change administration of our dear country believes and subscribes to the rule of law and is determined that its actions will always be guided by the constitution and the rule of law. It will therefore not support or condone anything that is contrary to this as this will not be in the interest of the nation.

The Minister also wishes to state for the avoidance of doubt that the Amaju Pinnick -led NFF has a statutory 30 days of grace to exercise its right of appeal; therefore the decision of the Court will only take effect if the time for the right of appeal expired without taking advantage of appeal.

It will be out of place now for any group of persons who have enjoyed the benevolence and protection of the law in enforcing their right to seek to frustrate other party from enjoying same right. In the light of this, the purported announcement made by the Giwa-led faction, even after the Amaju Pinnick-led Executives have indicated their intention to appeal cannot promote growth and stability in our football.

“I am therefore calling on all parties to the dispute to maintain peace, decorum and respect the rule of law. By this token, they must allow the judicial process to run its course.”

The Minister wishes to assure the public that the Government is committed to maintenance of law and order and would not allow anything that may likely threaten peace in the country; even as he wanted it be known that the interest of the nation supersedes any other interest.

Dalung also assures sport loving Nigerians that he will do everything within his power to ensure that our nation is not rubbished by the wrangling in NFF.