Reps knock Dalung over dissolution of sports federations

Some members of the house of representatives have expressed their displeasure at Solomon Dalung, minister of youth and sports, over the dissolution of boards of sports federation.

On Friday, the ministry announced the dissolution of the boards of all national sports federations.

Also, election into the federations was postponed to June 13.

But at the green chambers on Wednesday, the legislators aired their dissatisfaction when they considered a motion calling on the ministry of youths and sports to postpone the planned election into sports federation boards and recall members members of the boards dissolved.

Abubakar Adamu, lawmaker from Niger state, described the action by the ministry as an act of impunity.

He said the boards should be allowed to complete their tenure as such actions were negatively impacting on sports in the country.

“Wearing a uniform does not mean that you are a military man. This house stands for the Nigerian people and we stand to reject this impunity,” Adamu said.

“This is wrong, being appointed a minister does not mean you will be there for four years. You can be removed tomorrow.”

On his part, Johnson Oguma, lawmaker from Edo state, while describing the decision of the minister as “executive rascality”, said the lower legislative chamber should ensure that “things are done accordingly”.

“The action of the minister is what I call executive rascality. The dissolution of these boards is to pave way for some people earmarked for these positions. They have prepared for those who will take over,” Oguma said.

Edward Pwajock, a lawmaker from Plateau, said: “The action will enable the International sporting federation to slam ban on Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Ayo Omideran, lawmaker from Osun state, said: “People who cannot run sports shouldn’t claim to be in charge.”

Subsequently, the house mandated its committee on sports to investigate the ministry’s actions and check if it interfered with guidelines of electing the boards.

The house adopted the motion after it was put a voice vote by Yakubu Dogara, the speaker.