Boards of national sports federations dissolved •Election shifted to June 13

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has announced the  dissolution of the boards of all National Sports Federations.

The Youth and Sports Development Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung  who made the announcement on Friday in Abuja also directed all secretaries to take charge of their various federations during the election process.

The dissolution which is one of the milestones of the existing State of Emergency in the Sports Sector in the country, may not be unconnected with certain moves that seek to undermine the electoral process by federations, some of which have started seeking  a six-month tenure extension.

“In line with the Olympic Charter, all national sports federations are to serve for a period of four years. The federations  were inaugurated in May 2013, and by tradition, federations are dissolved after every Olympic Games. Therefore, their tenure has now come to an end.

“To ensure a level playing ground and free and fair elections, where all shall be given equal opportunities to realise their ambition to contest the elections, the National Sports Federations are hereby dissolved from today, May 5, 2017.

Secretaries are to take charge and run the affairs of their various  federations during the process of the elections.”

The election date has also been shifted to June 13, while every other program for the electoral process will be adjusted to fit into the new election date. Further announcement on the new timetable will be released in due course.

Dalung recalled that one year ago, he called for the constitutions of all sports federations but only five complied till date. He stated that ahead of the forthcoming elections, guidelines  were approved by stakeholders and a process was put in place.

He expressed his determination and commitment to a successful transition process of democratising the national sports federations and producing credible leadership to meet the yearnings and aspirations of sport-loving Nigerians.

To this effect, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC will facilitate the electoral process.

“As part of our commitment to a free and fair process, the Ministry requested the national sports federations to submit copies of their constitutions. Unfortunately, as at today, only five federations complied, leaving the Ministry and the NOC  with no other option but to organise the elections based strictly on the guidelines except those federations who submitted their constitutions and there are certain requirements of notice, of which in the spirit of free and fair elections will be exempted.”

Dalung has also directed the Ministry to consult widely with the NOC and recommend three credible names to constitute the electoral committee for scrutiny, confirmation and subsequent inauguration.

He noted that the process of democratising the National Sports Federations, though historic is not free from challenges while harping on  the Ministry’s determination to deliver on its commitment .

“We shall make amendments and moderations of the transition programme as we progress and  if the occasion demands. However, the election is the only thing that is sacrosanct.”