We are not corrupt, NFF replies Amaechi

The Football Federation said it has been employing global best practices in its dealing

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has rejected a statement by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, that the Federation is graft-ridden.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama, said Mr. Amaechi’s statement at Monday’s Presidential Retreat on Sports at the Banquet Hall of State House, Abuja was in bad taste.

“The present NFF Board is not corrupt and has been employing global best practices in its dealings.

Mr. Inyama said though the federation is unwilling to join issues with the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, allegations of corruption against persons and institutions are weighty and damaging and should not be thrown in flippant manner.

“Of course, Governor Amaechi later told the NFF President and General Secretary at the private session that he was referring to a previous NFA administration. But he failed to make that clarification in his public statement, thereby leaving his speech to mischievous interpretation.

The federation scribe said the present NFF administration is employing global best practices in running Nigeria football and that the Executive Committee members are elected, just like other top public office holders.

He said unsubstantiated allegations of graft against public office holders have become trendy, but cautioned that highly-placed

individuals have a responsibility to refrain from unjust attacks against agencies that work assiduously for the progress of the nation.

“The entire envelope of the NFF for this year is N1.9 Billion, while an average match of the Super Eagles cost about N120 million. There are 11 National Teams, eight of which are always engaged in qualifying campaigns and championships. Yet, we get punched here and there for no justifiable reason.

“The truth is that, without the financial support of the Governors of Cross River, Lagos, Kwara, Edo and Kaduna States, we would have found it difficult prosecuting all our international matches and competitions this year, and we thank them immensely,” Mr. Inyama concluded.