Follow Us on Google
Some Sports Federation Presidents have called for the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address what they described as the “lack of character and competency” of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
The Presidents of the Judo Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Musa Oshodi, and the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Kelvin Erhunmwunse, expressed their concerns during a meeting with sports journalists in Abuja.
Dr. Oshodi lamented the current state of affairs in Nigerian sports, saying, “From what I’m seeing at the moment, I must say I am deeply concerned — and I believe that would also be the feeling of any well-meaning Nigerian who desires positive national transformation.”
He criticised the NSC DG’s handling of the recent federation elections, stating, “The way the recent federation elections are being managed is worrisome. The National Sports Commission is not expected to interfere in the political structure or internal affairs of any federation.”
Dr. Oshodi further alleged that the DG was executing a deliberate agenda to undermine the President’s efforts, saying, “It is clear that the Director-General of the National Sports Commission is the one executing this agenda. From the way he speaks, from the way he addresses people — you would think he is above everyone, almost like a semi-god.”
The Judo Federation President called on President Tinubu to take urgent action, stating, “I therefore call on Mr. President to urgently look into this matter and take appropriate action to save Nigerian sports.”
Kelvin Erhunmwunse, the Gymnastics Federation President, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “What you’re seeing now all the confusion and misinformation, and this is the handiwork of these same agents. From what we have gathered so far, it’s becoming clearer that a certain individual is working to destroy the good plans of the President for sports development.”
Erhunmwunse further stated, “The President’s initiative to establish a strong and independent Sports Commission is a wonderful idea. We all prayed for this for a long time. But unfortunately, someone who was appointed to lead this effort has shown disrespect for constituted authority and is now handling sports matters as if they were private business.”
The Gymnastics Federation President emphasised that sports are international and governed by global rules and regulations, which the NSC DG seems to disregard. He warned that the current actions would bring shame to Nigeria and make the President’s sports policy appear unserious before the international sports community.
