Ado Salisu
The Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial improprieties in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the involvement of National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Hon. Bukola Olokpade.
Gara-Gombe explained that he petitioned the EFCC due to unsatisfactory explanations from the AFN and to seek an independent investigation into the federation’s financial activities.
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The petition specifically targets AFN President Tonobok Okowa and former Secretary Rita Mosindi, but Olokpade’s involvement is also implicated as an agent to the federation.
Olokpade’s lawyers had given Gara-Gombe a seven-day ultimatum to retract statements made on social media about the petition, but Gara-Gombe refused, stating he did not defame Olokpade .
He also revealed that Olokpade had sent private messages, including threats, and had invited him to a meeting that never materialized.
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Gara-Gombe emphasized his right as a stakeholder and member of the Congress of Athletics Federation of Nigeria to demand financial statements from the federation.
He also highlighted the need for accountability, transparency, and good governance in athletics and other sports in Nigeria.
Additionally, Gara-Gombe criticized the NSC for operating without a board, which he claims is illegal.
He warned that any decisions made by the NSC without a board could be challenged in court.