The Committee, led by its chairman, Honourable Ekene Adams, gave the order during the sitting of the Committee which was held at Room 315 of the National Assembly Complex on Thursday.
The Committee had summoned Gumel to brief the House about the country’s preparations for Paris 2024 Olympics but he (Gumel) was out of the country for another event which the Committee frowned at. All pleas and efforts by NOC vice president, Solomon Ogba, to brief were rebuffed by Committee chairman and members.
Adams, who expressed displeasure at Gumel’s absence, said the NOC President supposed to communicate the Committee and not just take it for granted and sent his members to stand in for him.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in Nigeria’s outings at the Olympics saying sports remain one of the cardinal objectives of the Renewal Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration. He, however, gave Gumel five working days (June 6, 2024) to appear before the House.
“The President wants the best for this country (at the Olympics) and not just the way we do things. The President (Tinubu) has interest in sports and it is part of his Agenda. We expect the NOC President to communicate with the Committee in the next five working days. He should come over here and explain to Nigerians the preparations towards the Olympics.
“And again, the interest of Nigerians supersede the interest of anywhere he is. He (Gumel) is a gentleman and he’s somebody I respect a lot. So, we are extending this invitation to him and come in person to address the Committee.
“Sports unify every Nigerian regardless of tribal, ethnic or religious we profess. It is the only vehicle that brings that synergy to move the country forward,” Adams stated.
Collaborating Adams views, a member of the Committee, Honourable Bashiru Dawodu, said the National Assembly has the power to summon any citizen at any time to explain issues of national importance.
“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly has the power of oversight, the Legislative Power Act. The National Assembly has the power to call any citizens of Nigeria to the House.
“So, it is not excusable that this Committee has called the NOC and they show utter disregard to the House. This is not acceptable.”