NFF: Reps wade into Giwa, Pinnick Crisis

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, ordered its committee on sports to summon the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation ,NFF, in a bid to amicably resolve the crisis rocking the apex football body in Nigeria.
This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance promoted by Rep Prestigious Ossy which recalled that trouble started when a high Court nullified the election of Amaju Pinnick and declared Chris Giwa as the winner of the election.
“Since the declaration of Chris Giwa as the winner of the September 30, 2014 election and the substantial President of the Nigerian Football Federation by the court, the in fighting has escalated. “It took the timely Intervention of officers and men of the Nigerian Police to prevent a total breakdown of law and order at the headquarters of the NFF  “Ossy told the House.
He said  that the crisis in the NFF would affect the chances of qualifying for the next FIFA world cup and its performances at the oncoming Olympic games in Brazil. The Abia born lawmaker said that he has it on good authority that the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino would soon visit the country and it will not be good if he visits the football at a time of crisis.
In his submission on the matter,Rep Abdulrazak Namdas, APC, Adamawa described the crisis as “going backwards” adding that the problems confronting the NFF needs to be addressed immediately. Rep  Ossai Ossai, PDP, Delta  said, “We should support this motion because it creates a good image for us. This brings the youths together, “he added.
The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara who presided. The Committee is to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative input.