By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Assembly is calling the bluffs of the court pronouncement that sacked embattled NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, declaring that they stand with him.
Their stance was made known in a communiqué made available to neewsmen, signed by the Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Sir E.C. CHUKWUEMEKA after the meeting held on Wednesday at the Chida International Hotel, Abuja.
According to the communiqué, the 44 members of the federation took the unanimous decision, based on the NFF statutes of 2010.
“The General Assembly expressed explicit confidence in the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation under the leadership of Amaju Melvin Pinnick and unanimously re-affirmed the election of the following persons as was done at NFF Elective Congress in Warri, Delta State on 30th September 2014: Amaju Melvin Pinnick (President): Seyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President); Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Chairman of Chairmen); Christopher Green (Member); Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Member); Felix Anyansi Agwu (Member); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Member); Suleiman Yahaya Kwande (Member); Babagana Kalli (Member); Hussaini Modibbo (Member, of blessed memory),” it said.
A vote of confidence was also passed on the League Management Company (LMC) under the leadership of the NFF 2nd Vice President, Mr. Shehu Dikko, for what they termed credible efforts and innovations at making the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) much better, commercially viable and spectator –friendly with particular mention of the return of Elite Professional Football to Maiduguri, Borno State.
It was not all commendation, as the General Assembly referred to the NFF Disciplinary Board, Chris Giwa, Yahaya Adama, Muazu Suleyman, Sani Fema and Effiong Johnson to appear and defend themselves.
“For bringing Nigeria football and Nigeria to ridicule, opprobrium and disrepute, and in clear contravention of the NFF statutes and other extant football laws by committing infractions such as illegally contracting a law firm in South Africa in the name of the NFF and refusing to pay for the services up to a point where judgment was given against the NFF by the South Africa Court.
“Seriously violating the statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU, and NFF.
“The General Assembly noted the motion for suspension pursuant to Article 37 (1) but in the spirit of Article 37 (3) of the NFF Statutes and in the interest of fair hearing the following persons were referred to the NFF Disciplinary Board: Chris Giwa, Yahaya Adama, Muazu Suleyman, Sani Fema and Effiong Johnson to appear and defend themselves,” it informed.
Similarly, for aiding and abetting the above gross misconduct, thus collectively contravening provisions of NFF, WAFU, CAF and FIFA Statutes, the General Assembly referred the following persons to the NFF Committee on Ethics and Fairplay: Rumson Baribote, Shehu Adamu, Ben Agary and Jide Fashikun to appear and defend themselves.
Following a passionate appeal by the Executive Committee, the clause adopted at the 71st NFF General Assembly held in Abuja on 16th December 2015, aimed at ensuring and guaranteeing professionalism in the administration of football but misinterpreted as barring non-members of the Congress from contesting for positions on the NFF Executive Committee was suspended pending ratificaton at the next NFF General Assembly.
For the avoidance of doubt the congress further affirmed that all eligible and qualified persons under the NFF statutes are eligible to contest elections.
The General Assembly applauded the NFF/Zenith U-13 and U-15 Youth Program, and charged the different Zones to conclude their zonal competitions ahead of the National Finals holding in Lagos in May, 2016.
“General Assembly thanked the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Samuel Anyawu, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and representatives of the Inspector General of Police, Director General State Security Services and the Chairman, House Committee on Sports for attending the Extra Ordinary Congress,” it said.
Meanwhile, the General Assembly observed a one – minute silence for Alhaji Hussaini Modibbo, who passed on in March, 2016.
