By Chibuike Chukwu on August 22, 2018

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has described Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, intervention that averted FIFA ban on Monday as just an attempt to abate an escalating situation.

Rather, he believes that the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) “cannot be solved with a temporary measure”, but by a recourse to the rule of law.

He said that since he “took oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” and that Nigeria remains “a constitutional democracy” where “the doctrine of separation of powers is the foundation of democratic experience”, the rule of law should take its course.

Dalung said that the NFF Elders Stakeholders Reconciliation Committee which he set up would help in resolve the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation.

“This crisis cannot be solved with a temporary measure or scratched on the surface. The intervention of the Vice President should not be viewed as different from an attempt to abate an escalating situation.

“As a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who took oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will prefer to stand with the Rule of Law instead of the opinion of men.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and give support to the NFF Elders Stakeholders Reconciliation Committee which is made up of reputable past Presidents and General Secretaries of the NFF with vast knowledge, experience and competence to resolve this crisis once and for all.

“We are a constitutional democracy and the doctrine of separation of powers is the foundation of democratic experience, therefore, the Rule of Law is the only mechanism that guarantees liberty and freedom of citizens

“This administration was elected on the change mantra meaning that impunity has no accommodation anywhere, so Nigerians must learn to believe and practice the doctrine of the Rule of Law. I believe we shall overcome this if we remain within the confines and dictates of the laws of our country,” said Dalung in a statement on Tuesday.

The current NFF crisis has been raging on since 2014 with Chris Giwa battling Amaju Pinnick who has been recognised by FIFA and the Nigerian government as the sole president of the African nation’s football apex body.

•Text (excluding headline) courtesy of Independent. Photo shows Sports Minister Solomon Dalung

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 22, 2018

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