Ado Salisu
Former Gombe State Football Association Chairman and sports promoter, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has challenged former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, to account for key decisions taken during his tenure rather than engaging in public exchanges.
Gombe’s remarks followed Dalung’s description of him as a “serial blackmailer” seeking attention, while referencing petitions Gombe had previously submitted against the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and his subsequent appointments within the country’s sports administration.
Speaking on the development, Gombe said he had initially chosen not to respond to Dalung’s recent political comments but decided to react after the former minister allegedly attacked him following an interview he granted on developments in Nigerian sports.
“I have known Solomon Dalung for many years, and I believe his conduct since leaving office has been troubling. The way he speaks, reacts and carries himself raises serious concerns,” Gombe said.
He challenged the former minister to provide explanations on issues relating to his time in office instead of focusing on personal attacks.
Gombe also called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations he said require clarification.
Among the issues he raised was an alleged $300,000 loan reportedly obtained to support Nigeria’s football team during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
According to Gombe, although the Federal Government reportedly refunded the money, questions remain as to whether the original lender was repaid.
“Nigerians deserve to know what happened,” he said.
The sports promoter also questioned the handling of the National Stadium in Lagos during Dalung’s tenure, particularly a proposed handover of the facility to former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for renovation.
He alleged that Dalung had claimed a forged letter from the Presidency prevented the project from going ahead and challenged him to produce the document and identify its author.
“He should bring out the letter and find out who wrote it,” Gombe stated.
He further criticised anti-corruption and security agencies, alleging that they had not sufficiently investigated claims involving public officials.
Gombe maintained that his comments were made in the public interest and not as personal attacks, insisting that all allegations should be subjected to due investigation.
He also challenged the former minister to a public debate, saying he was prepared to present his evidence and allow Nigerians to assess the issues.