By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The former General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Musa Amadu has officially declared his interest to contest for the president of the federation in the forthcoming NFF Elective Congress slated for September 30 in Benin City, Edostate capital.
He has also promised to make transparency and accountability the bedrock of his administration should he be elected as the next NFF President, adding that he will run an all-inclusive administration.
Amadu who made these known on Tuesday at a ‘World Press Conference and Declaration of Intent to Contest as NFF President’ held at Sandralia Hotel, Jabi, Abuja, told the audience at the well attended event that he will be as transparent and accountable as possible if elected to lead the NFF.
According to him he is stepping out to contest for the post of NFF President because he wants to ensure that Nigeria gets the running of football right in every sense of the word, pointing out that as an astute football administrator, he is the best man to lead the board that will get it right.
Said he: “the gathering here today tells a story. I am convinced that there is need to get our priorities right in the management and administration of our football. My focus is not what is wrong with our football but my focus will be on how we will do the right thing for the sake of a country that has produced great footballers like J.J Okochas, Victor Ikpebas, Maureen Mmadus, Asisat Oshoalas, etc. We need to get it right”.
Speaking further Amadu said his main aim will be to develop the game of football at the grassroots, including the development of women’s football at all levels in Nigeria to ensure the country continues to be a force to reckon with.
The top football administrator however promised that as a president he will want to work with everyone if he is elected to lead the federation.
He assured past Chairmen and Secretaries of the federation that they will be his Committee of Elders, stressing that:”they will talk to me and I will listen”.
On the age-long friction between the NFF and the supervising Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Amadu said his board will establish what he called NFF-Government Relations, declaring that: “We will be establishing NFF-government Relations”.
Amadu vowed to partner with Nigeria Football Supporters Club and will also create an enabling environment to work with the ever vocal Nigerian press, assuring that: “as a President I want to work with you if I am elected the President of NFF”.
Those who attended the colourful event are past President of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima; ex- Secretary Generals Dr. Tijani Yusuf and Fanny Amun as well as members of the outgoing NFF Board Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, First and Second Vice Presidents respectively.
Others who were present at the event are NFF Executive Committee members Alhaji Ahmed Fresh and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali while top football stakeholders Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, Abayomi Ogunjimi
and Yemi Idowu.
Also at Amadu’s declaration were: Chairmen of Sokoto, Jigawa, Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Nasarawa FA Chairmen just as
ex-internationals Victor Ikpeba, Emma Babayaro, Sunday Mbah, Fengor Ogude and former Super Falcons star Maureen Mmadu among others.
