The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced a 10-year ban for former General Secretary of the federation and Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and another 15-year ban for former Chairman of the Nigerian Premier League (NPL), Chief Victor Baribote.
According to a communiqué released to the media on Monday, the decision to suspend the duo was taken at Saturday’s meeting of the Executive Committee in Addis Ababa, venue of Nigeria’s victorious Brazil 2014 World cup qualifier against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.
The Executive Committee also resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegations against Chairman of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olaleye Adepoju and Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Chidi Ofor Okenwa.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation met at the Saro-Maria Hotel in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia on Saturday, 12th October, 2013 to discuss pertinent issues in Nigeria football and decided as follows:
“The Executive Committee praised the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for finding time out of a very heavy schedule during the African Union summit in Ethiopia, to attend training session of the Super Eagles on Saturday, 12th October 2013, which hugely inspired the players to defeat Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup final elimination fixture, first leg in Addis Ababa on Sunday, 13th October 2013.
“The committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Barrister Chris Green, approved a 10-year ban from all football-related activities on one-time NFF General Secretary and former NFF Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.
“Similarly, the committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Chief Emeka Inyama, approved a 15-year ban from all football-related activities on former NPL Chairman, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote. These decisions by the Executive Committee are subject to ratification of the Congress of Nigeria football at the next Annual General Assembly, as contained in the NFF Statutes.
“Also, the NFF resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegation against the chairman of the Organissiang and disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olalyeye Adepoju as well as Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of Enugu State Football association.
“The Executive Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate an allegation of bribery against a member of the Executive Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju. Barrister Chris Green is chairman and members are Chief Inyama, Hon. Shehu Adamu, Alhaji Muazu Kawu and Brigadier-General Emma Okaro (rtd), with Alizor Chuks as Secretary.”
It announced also that in the meantime, Barrister Adepoju is suspended from chairmanship of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Federation.
“Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate a petition against Mr. Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of the Enugu State Football Association. Vice President, Chief Umeh is chairman, with Chief Inyama, Alhaji Yusuf Fresh and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande as members, with Danlami Alanana as secretary. The committee has two weeks to submit its report,” the communiqué continued.
On other matters, the Executive Committee ordered the Nigeria National League to deduct three points and three goals from Gabros International FC’s campaign in this year’s competition, as a direct result of the club’s failure to pay CHF2,000, being cost of arbitration in a case against Hertha BSC Berlin FC of Germany.
It expressed confidence in the ability of the U-17 National Team, also known as Golden Eaglets, to record a successful outing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emrates between 17th October and 8th November 2013.
“Executive Committee approved the appointment of a retired FIFA-graded referee, Mr. Sani Zubairu, as Consultant to the NFF Referees Unit. Committee approved confirmation of the appointment of Management Staff of the Federation, with a four-year contract spanning March 2011 – March 2015.
“The Executive Committee approved the promotion and confirmation of Members of Staff based on results of the last promotion/confirmation examinations. The Committee approved Thursday, 28th November as date for the 2013 Annual General Assembly of Nigeria football, with Warri, Delta State as venue.”
Those who attended the meeting were Aminu Maigari (President), Mike Umeh (Vice President), Emeka Inyama (Member), Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member), Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member), Effiong Johnson (Member), Christopher Green (Member), Muazu Suleyman (Member), Ayodeji Tinubu (Member), Shehu Adamu (Member), Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member), Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Member) and Musa Amadu (Secretary).
Olaleye Adepoju (Member) and Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member), who were absent, offered their apologies.
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