Dalung tasks Pinnick on CAF seat bid
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss, Amaju Pinnick on the need for him to have the requisite qualification for him to enjoy the support of the Federal Government and Nigerians in his Confederation of African Football (CAF) seat bid.
Dalung made the remark at the 72nd General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation held in Lagos on Sunday and added that his office has been inundated with reports suggesting that the board of the NFF is divided over the issue of Pinnick contesting for a seat in CAF.
“It is a policy of government to support and encourage Nigerians to vie and aspire for positions in international organizations. However, such persons must possess the requisite qualification and the wherewithal to succeed.
“So it was heartwarming when I received a letter from the president of NFF Mr Amaju Pinnick declaring his interest to vie for a position in CAF. The NFF is hereby directed to avail the ministry with the minutes of the meeting where Mr Pinnick’s nomination for a CAF seat was discussed and approved so as to put the records straight. If our quest for a CAF seat is to materialize, then the NFF President will need the support of everybody.”
Barrister Dalung also spoke on a report he received from the NFF raising queries on FIFA’s audit report of $1.1m FIFA development grant to the NFF.
“According to the report, FIFA has withheld all development funds to Nigeria for lack of proper documentation of $802,000 out of the funds released to NFF.
“This is a very serious issue that must be given urgent attention to avoid another international embarrassment more so that the present administration under the leadership of Mr President Muhammadu Buhari has zero tolerance for any act of misappropriation, misapplication, embezzlement or fraud in any guise.”
He directed the NFF to provide the Ministry of Youth and Sports with detailed information of receipt, disbursement and application of the FIFA development grant accordingly.
“In addition, a reputable audit firm should be appointed urgently to check the account books of the federation to ensure that funds are judiciously expended. The audit report must be made public to promote transparency, build credibility and enhance your market value.” Dalung concluded.
