Nigeria’s Minister for Sports, Solomon Dalung, has reacted to the
intervention of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo which saved Nigeria
from being suspended by FIFA on Monday.
FIFA had threatened to suspend Nigeria from all her activities after
the Amaju Pinnick-led executive board was prevented from carrying out
its duties at the NFF.
However, the sanction was averted after Osinbajo, in a letter to the
world football governing body, declared the government’s support for the
Pinnick-led board.
But Dalung, in a press statement on Tuesday, has said the issue
cannot be resolved with short-term measures, insisting that the matter
has a subsisting judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“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.
“As we celebrate Sallah, let’s remain law-abiding citizens,” Dalung said.