The pervasive impunity in the financial dealings of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) seems to suggest that the Honourable Minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare, either by commission or omission, has completely abandoned his statutory functions over the NFF.
If this is not the case, then we must believe NFF President Amaju Pinnick’s often boast that they are “carrying” the minister along.
It is worrisome that since assumption of office over a year ago the Honourable Minister has turned a blind eye to due process in the implementation of NFF programmes, projects and other activities that are of financial nature.
There is a need for compliance with the procurement Act 2007, the financial regulations, audit guides and other extant rules.
Furthermore the need for compliance with federal government directive that all revenues be paid into Treasury Single Account (TSA) as it relates to NFF grants and sponsorship funds.
The gross abuse and infractions of due process in the receipts and disbursements of NFF funds under Honourable Sunday Dare’s watch calls for concern.
Why will Financial Derivatives continue to warehouse NFF sponsorship funds?
Even as recently as March 2020, the concealed $800,000 from Coca-Cola sponsorship fee was paid through Financial Derivatives.
What has the NFF done with all the grants received from FIFA in the last one year including the recent Covid-19 palliative?
Why is the Honourable Minister feigning ignorance of the financial recklessness in the NFF since his time in office?
Is it really true like Pinnick has confirmed in several interviews they are “carrying” the Honourable Minister along?
The NANF wants to use this opportunity to advise the Hon. Minister to do his job diligently without fear or favour in order not to breach his oath of office by not shielding corruption in any guise and remember that he is accountable to Nigerians particularly stakeholders in Nigeria sports.
This write- up is from the stable of the National Association of Nigeria Footballers (NANF).
BY HARRISON JALLA, President (NANF)
