NFF crisis: We’ll be guided by rule of law – FG

Barr. Solomon Dalung

The Federal Government, yesterday, said that it would be guided by the rule of law as enshrined in the constitution in resolving the current crisis rocking the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, insisted that the government is committed to resolve the crisis amicably, urging the Amaju Pinnick-led NNF Board to appeal the verdict if not satisfied.
Dalung in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relation of the ministry, Tolu Makinde, in Abuja, maintained that Buhari’s administration would not condone breaking down of law and order.
The Minister categorically “stated for the avoidance of doubt that the Amaju Pinnick -led NFF has a statutory 30 days of grace to exercise its right of appeal; therefore the decision of the Court will only take effect if the time for the right of appeal expired without taking advantage of appeal.
“It will be out of place now for any group of persons who have enjoyed the benevolence and protection of the law in enforcing their right to seek to frustrate other party from enjoying same right.

“In the light of this, the purported announcement made by the Giwa-led faction, even after the Amaju Pinnick-led Executives have indicated their intention to appeal cannot promote growth and stability in our football.

“I am therefore calling on all parties to the dispute to maintain peace, decorum and respect the rule of law. By this token, they must allow the judicial process to run its course.
“The present Change administration of our dear country believes and subscribes to the rule of law and is determined that its actions will always be guided by the constitution and the rule of law.”
The Minister assured the public that the Government is committed to maintenance of law and order and would not allow anything that may likely threaten peace in the country, adding that “the interest of the nation supersedes any other interest.
“The government will therefore not support or condone anything that is contrary to this as this will not be in the interest of the nation.”
Dalung appealed to sport loving Nigerians not to be disturbed by the development that had created confusion and apprehension, promising to “do everything within his power to ensure that our nation is not rubbished by the wrangling in NFF.”