Arewa Group carpets Sports Minister's deflective tactics, sees response by Senator Enoh to Hon. Adams an assault

 

Arewa Youth Sports Forum on Saturday berated Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh for employing gutter tactics, by attempting to discredit and deflect the issues as advanced by the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Ekene Adams.

A statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Yohanna Pam described the Sports Minister's response as disappointing and a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member.

The statement reads,"It is concerning to observe the recent Press Release issued by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, specifically targeting Hon. Ekene Adams and questioning his credibility and sincerity. While the Ministry attempts to defend the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, it is imperative to address certain points raised in the Press Release.

"First and foremost, it is disappointing to note the Ministry's attempt to discredit Hon. Ekene Adams based on his health issues. Implying that his health condition renders him incompetent and out of touch with reality is not only insensitive but a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member. It is crucial to remember that personal attacks have no place in constructive discourse, especially within the realm of public service.

"Furthermore, the Ministry's assertion and attempt to belittle the office of that Hon. Adams, reflects a lack of understanding of the principles of democracy and the importance of upholding the dignity of elected representatives. Every individual elected, regardless of their office is higher than a political appointee.Hence,lawmakers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.The lack of transparency and accountability in Senator Enoh's approach to sports administration has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Hon. Adams, who has highlighted the need for a more responsible and competent leadership in the sector." Pam statement reads.

The statement asked the Sports Minister to stop blaming the CBN for the failure of foreign athletes to receive their payments, noting that his actions is bringing the government President Tinubu to disrepute.

"While defending the Honourable Minister of Sports Development is understandable, it is essential to address the concerns raised by Hon. Adams in a transparent and respectful manner. Constructive dialogue and open communication are key to fostering trust and accountability in governance.Rather than addressing pressing issues such as the delayed payments to foreign athletes who excelled at the African Games in Ghana, as questioned by Hon.Adams, the Minister and Ministry resulted to assault on the lawmaker.We know before now, Senator Enoh has resorted to deflecting blame onto the Central Bank, despite its proven efficiency under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, and by extension bringing the Government of President Tinubu to disrepute.

"It is evident that Senator Enoh's tenure as sports minister has been characterized by self-glorification and a disregard for the hard work and dedication of athletes and federation presidents who strive for excellence in sports. His failure to address the challenges facing the sports sector, has only served to exacerbate the existing issues. In contrast, the call for cooperation and collaboration with Hon. Adams, a respected figure in sports with a rich history as both an athlete and administrator, presents an opportunity for Senator Enoh to embrace a more inclusive and effective approach to sports administration in Nigeria.Knowing fully well that the Sports Minister knows nothing in sports administration."The statement reads.

Concluding the statement, Comrade Pam warned the Sports Minister to be careful and trade gently as Mr.President has zero tolerance for corruption

"In conclusion, it is imperative for the minister to know that his present office is at mercy of Mr.President, a man with zero tolerance for corruption.Maybe, the Sports Minister has forgotten how the Tinubu's government is handling Beta Edu's case; coincidentally, they both hail from Cross River state." Comrade Pam concluded his statement.

Olympic Games: National Assembly decries lack of transparency in allocation of intervention funds

 

The 10th National Assembly has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the allocation of intervention funds for the 2024 Olympic Games to the Ministry of Sports Development.

The Nigeria Government doled out billions of naira each time the country participated in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games. 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams frowned at the situation where most Sports Federation sponsored their athletes to qualify for Olympic Games without Ministry's support but the Sports Ministry receives money from the government on behalf of the sports federations once they have qualified. 

He said, “80% of the National Sports Federation don't get a dime from the funds allocated for them in the budget in each calendar year.”

He therefore advised the Federal Government to ensure that the intervention funds are scrutinised by the National Assembly before they are passed.

“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government prioritised transparency and accountability in allocation of funds and the intervention funds for the Olympic Games should follow the same procedure by involving the National Assembly in the scrutiny of the funds. This will ensure that the athletes, coaches and Presidents of the Federations benefit from the funds.

"Transparency in the process is crucial to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently for the development of Sports in Nigeria. Without proper oversight, there is a risk they the funds could be mismanaged or misappropriated leading to waste of resources and missed opportunity to support the dedicated Nigerian athletes who put the country's name on the global map."

He further said, “For instance, foreign athletes who spent their hard-earned money on flight to and fro Ghana for African Games have not received the refund, also, coaches and many other athletes have not received their monetary prize for medals won at the All African Games in Ghana.

“The delay in settlement of these funds will further dampen the spirits of the athletes which in turn may affect Nigeria's performance at the Olympics.

"We must do everything to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda.

The President has been doing everything in making sure that Nigeria is placed among the best in the world and the 10th National Assembly shares same with the President. Therefore, the struggle to place the country among the best should not be left to the Presidency alone."

Signed:

Media Team, Chairman House Committee On Sports