NFF sacks Lulu, Ogunjobi, Uchegbulam
By Andrew Abah 05/07/2010 00:30:00
The impasse in Nigeria football took another dimension Sunday as the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) impeached its President, Sani Lulu, Vice-President, Amanze Uchegbulam and Chairman, Technical Committee,Taiwo Ogunjobi.
The NFF board met in the early hours of Sunday at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, at the instance of the Federal Government.
The action of the NFF’s executive committe was derived from Act 34 (m) of the 2010 Nigeria Football Federation 2010 statutes. All members of the boards were in attendance except the three impeached executives. In place of Lulu, Aminu Magari was elected as Acting-President while Obinna Ogba replaced Uchegbulam as Vice-President.
FIFA has threatened to expel Nigeria from world football unless the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan lifts the two-year ban imposed on the national teams.
FIFA rules however, prohibits government’s intervention in its members' affairs.
The NFF said the three sacked members were given the boot "to tender an unresolved apology" to all Nigerians over the team's performance in South Africa.
The NFF also promised "to take urgent steps to address the maladministration of football in the country".
FIFA has imposed Monday deadline for the Nigerian government to reverse its decision after writing to President Jonathan.
The country's House of Representatives has passed a resolution asking the Nigerian president to reverse his order, fearing sanctions.
Jonathan's government announced on Wednesday that the NFF would be dissolved and an interim board put in place.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that Nigeria withdraws from international competitions for two years to enable the country to put its house in order," special presidential adviser, Ima Niboro, had said.
However, FIFA rules clearly state that national associations can be expelled if governments are seen to be interfering with the way they operate.
"FIFA has sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday 6pm to reverse its direction to withdraw Nigeria's participation from all FIFA and CAF competitions for the next two years," said FIFA communications director Nicolas Maingot on Friday.
"Also the management committee set up by the Nigerian government will not be recognised by FIFA."
If Nigeria is suspended, the country cannot participate in competitive matches or club games in African competitions.
"A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national teams," added Maingot. "It also freezes financial help and no referees can participate in international competition."
FIFA executive committee member and former Nigeria government minister Dr Amos Adamu will be in the country on Monday "for a last mediation attempt."
The governing body's president, Sepp Blatter had already warned French President Nicolas Sarkozy of possible sanctions after he pledged to personally lead an investigation into France's acrimonious World Cup campaign.
By Andrew Abah 05/07/2010 00:30:00
The impasse in Nigeria football took another dimension Sunday as the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) impeached its President, Sani Lulu, Vice-President, Amanze Uchegbulam and Chairman, Technical Committee,Taiwo Ogunjobi.
The NFF board met in the early hours of Sunday at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, at the instance of the Federal Government.
The action of the NFF’s executive committe was derived from Act 34 (m) of the 2010 Nigeria Football Federation 2010 statutes. All members of the boards were in attendance except the three impeached executives. In place of Lulu, Aminu Magari was elected as Acting-President while Obinna Ogba replaced Uchegbulam as Vice-President.
FIFA has threatened to expel Nigeria from world football unless the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan lifts the two-year ban imposed on the national teams.
FIFA rules however, prohibits government’s intervention in its members' affairs.
The NFF said the three sacked members were given the boot "to tender an unresolved apology" to all Nigerians over the team's performance in South Africa.
The NFF also promised "to take urgent steps to address the maladministration of football in the country".
FIFA has imposed Monday deadline for the Nigerian government to reverse its decision after writing to President Jonathan.
The country's House of Representatives has passed a resolution asking the Nigerian president to reverse his order, fearing sanctions.
Jonathan's government announced on Wednesday that the NFF would be dissolved and an interim board put in place.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that Nigeria withdraws from international competitions for two years to enable the country to put its house in order," special presidential adviser, Ima Niboro, had said.
However, FIFA rules clearly state that national associations can be expelled if governments are seen to be interfering with the way they operate.
"FIFA has sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday 6pm to reverse its direction to withdraw Nigeria's participation from all FIFA and CAF competitions for the next two years," said FIFA communications director Nicolas Maingot on Friday.
"Also the management committee set up by the Nigerian government will not be recognised by FIFA."
If Nigeria is suspended, the country cannot participate in competitive matches or club games in African competitions.
"A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national teams," added Maingot. "It also freezes financial help and no referees can participate in international competition."
FIFA executive committee member and former Nigeria government minister Dr Amos Adamu will be in the country on Monday "for a last mediation attempt."
The governing body's president, Sepp Blatter had already warned French President Nicolas Sarkozy of possible sanctions after he pledged to personally lead an investigation into France's acrimonious World Cup campaign.
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