In real terms, the Rio debacle, along with the totality of the circumstances surrounding it, is a sad commentary on the values and quality of those in charge of the affairs of the country. It underscores the yawning disconnect between the government and the governed in terms of priority and need. The Nigeria Olympic Committee blamed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Chris Ohaa, for its inability to meet its obligations to Team Nigeria’s athletes and its other partners in Rio. Ohaa reportedly refused to hand over the money allocated to the NOC and other sports federations. The NOC had three vehicles allotted to it by the local organizing committee, but it was not been able to use the cars because there was no money to pay the drivers. Every NOC is expected to take care of such bills, but thanks to Ohaa, Nigeria could not pay drivers. Apart from the fact that due process was circumscribed; that so much public fund was wasted, at a time the country is in dire economic straits, the failure of Team Nigeria is as inexcusable as the disgrace that came with it.
It is indeed pathetic that while the average citizen buckles under the severe yoke of poverty; hunger, and unemployment, and the failure of government to discharge its statutory and moral responsibility to the populace, the Minister of Youth and Sports and other sports management officials would have so much leeway on profligacy and the mundane, which the Olympic debacle represents. This is more so at a time when government revenue is said to be dwindling and states are complaining of being short changed. When juxtaposed with the crisis in Nigerian football; and the team’s failure to even qualify for major continental tournaments, the extent of government’s contempt and disdain for Nigerians becomes obvious. Therefore, there is no need for any investigation panel as there has been too many in the past at public expense that turned out to be too much ado about nothing, mere sound without fury.
The issues involved, namely patriotism, morality, ethics and dignity of office are clear. All the culprits in this Rio saga should be made to pay a price for their misconduct. The continued stay in office of the three musketeers – Sports Minister; NFF and NOC bosses is no longer tenable. President Buhari should do the right thing by replacing the minister with another person. The NFF and NOC officials involved in the Olympics debacle should also be shown the door. Meanwhile, the Police or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should open inquiry into the conduct of the culprits with a view to prosecuting them, if necessary. It is time public officials were made to account for their actions.
Nigerians expect that whether it is Dalungate, Pinnickgate or Gumelgate, the scandals should not be swept under the carpet. By any moral or decent standard, Dalung, Pinnick and Gumel ought to have been sacked to allow unfettered investigation by appropriate law enforcement agencies. That is the only way to counter insinuations that this government feels no scruple about corruption; or that no harm would befall the minister and the other sports management officials, because of his rumored closeness to President Buhari. No government that vacillates in a case so obvious and that smacks of massive dereliction of duty on the part of the sports minister will be deserving of the respect of its people. If the government hopes to get away with this, it will not get away with the harsh verdict of history.
The Rio debacle should be a wake-up call and an opportunity to redress past mistakes and ensure participation in future competitions without encumbrances. And for Nigeria to achieve a minimum level of success in international competitions, reward for sportsmen and women should be structured in a way that is sustainable. All outstanding bonuses should be paid immediately and new standards set and bonuses spelt out in advance for all future tournaments. This will save the country the unwarranted embarrassment from the recurring issue of bonuses that characterizes Nigeria’s participation in every international tournament.
But the anticipated turn-around cannot occur without attitudinal change. Over the years, sports administrators have been consumed by selfish ambitions and unbridled quest for pecuniary gains. In the event, not only has sports and sports men and women left to suffer, but the nation was repeatedly robbed of the good feeling that victory brings, and the chance to forge a stronger national cohesion. This alone is sufficient incentive for President Buhari to pay more attention to sports. Presidential authority is needed to engender the positive reinforcement that is required for success. More importantly, administrators should strive to make sports funding private-sector driven instead of the current heavy reliance on government for support. Private sector involvement in sports encourages productivity and accountability, and this mechanism remains pivotal for sustaining greatness.
President Buhari, hosted part of the Nigerian delegation to the Olympics and announced the release of the funds that should have been released years ago to make training of the athletes and Nigeria’s quest for medals both meaningful and realizable. His remarks during the event clearly showed he was not taken in by the empty promises of officials that Nigerians should expect a haul of medals now that funds have been released. The President did not raise expectations beyond the level of the Olympic mantra that participation is more important and more rewarding than winning.
Mr. President, participation is pride but winning is the ultimate goal of participation. But medals are not won by fire brigade, last minute funding of preparations. Winning a medal at the Olympics requires proper planning and at least four years of dedicated hard work and training. Nigeria did not do anything since London 2012 to even justify winning a wooden medal not to talk of Gold. Nigeria is certainly in dire need of men of character who can stand up for the country at all times. It only needs a rejuvenated leadership spirit to enable it present its first eleven in every sector, and achieve optimum results. What is now needed is an institutionalized culture of excellence in the country.
