The board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has met and suspended the President Ibrahim Gusau after several allegations bordering on gross misconduct, abuse of power and mismanagement of funds were leveled against him.
Reading the communique at the end of the meeting, the board’s Acting President Honourable Olamide George, thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare for the payment of $135,000 erroneously paid to the account of the AfN by World Athletics in 2017. The board also thanked the Minister for providing funds for team Nigeria’s participation at the Athletics Championship in Doha this year and prayed for more support from the Ministry.
Speaking further, he said, “The board expressed its dismay at that the flagrant violation of the constitution the former President Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau who called an annual congress of the AFN in utter disregard of the provisions of the constitution section 6 1 4 which stipulates a 50 day notice must be given before an annual congress of the Federation can be convened”.
Citing another violation of the constitution, he said, “Changing the password of the Federation’s email thereby denying the former Secretary since April 2019 the opportunity to perform his lawful duties especially in the area of communicating to the World Athletics”.
He also noted that the former President entered an agreement with the Sports wear manufacturer PUMA without formal documentation. “The President signed a deal without the knowledge and approval of the board and without the knowledge and signature of the Secretary General the custodian of the Federation’s records, documents and properties. “
He also cited the President’s refusal to pay players’ and coaches’ and other officials’ allowances or part payments at major international competitions as areas the board frowned upon.
The board therefore unanimously agreed that the President stepped aside in order for investigations to be carried out over the infractions while the Vice President acts in his place. The board also setup a 5 man committee to carry out the investigation and report back in the next board meeting.
Those present at the meeting include;Hon.Olamide George. Ag. President, Gabriel Okon, DIG Sani Mohammed (Rtd), Rosa Collins, Brown Ebewele, Himal Charles (AR), Tafida Gadzama, with Maria Wolphill and Prof. Ojeme sending their apologies for their absence.
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