FCT Social Development Secretary, Blessing Onuh and the Director of Sports, Alim Musa are said to be running from pillar to post over FCT Sports’ Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)’s call for their removal from office for gradually grounding sports to a halt in the capital city.
SWAN, FCT chapter had on Monday called on the Minister, Bala Mohammed to relief the duo of their appointments before they finally send sports into oblivion. The association had also called for a complete overhaul of sports in the interest of the youths resident in the territory.
According to a statement by FCT SWAN secretary, Martin Odiete, the association is aware that huge sum of money is voted for sports development in the City every year, alleging that both the Secretary who is Senate President David Mark’s daughter, and the Director of Sports, Musa have not been making judicious use of the money.
The statement reads in part, “To this end, SWAN demands that the FCT minister demonstrates his genuine commitment to sports development in the territory by restructuring the sports department”.
It also called for “the immediate redeployment of the Secretary of Social development and the Director of Sports”, insisting both “administrators have shown beyond doubt that they either do not have the requisite knowledge of running and managing sports or are deliberately undermining the growth of sports in the territory.
“SWAN is aware that more than enough funds are allocated for sports development in the territory but wonders why the level of sports development is not commensurate with the funds released”.
The association further stated that the inability of the FCT Minister to properly monitor how funds allocated to sports are managed “is a total negligence on the part of the minister”.
Prompt News Online gathered that players and officials of FCT Queens, the female football club own by the FCT Administration have not been paid salary in the last 18 months.
We also gathered that the inauguration of sports associations which were dissolved since 2009 is being delayed because the director of sports is said to have requested for N6 million to inaugurate the associations.
Meanwhile, FCT SWAN chairman, Kayode Adeniyi is now said to be under intense pressure from the FCT administration including the Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide to talk to his members to soft pedal and withdraw the call for the Secretary and Director’s sack.
