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…Suspends Nigeria From World Cup

…Sports Minister Inaugurates Caretaker Committees In Abuja

By Amaechi Agbo

Africa’s rugby governing body, Rugby Africa has declared as unconstitutional the dissolution of 31 sports federations board in Nigeria including Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

It could be recalled that on April 30, 2021, the minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare announced the dissolution of the boards of 31 sports federations in the country.

This development has not gone down well with many sports stakeholders with many questioning the constitutionality of such action.

In a letter dated May 3rd, 2021, and signed by Rugby Africa President, Mr Khaled Babbou, it noted that the minister does not have the powers to dissolve the NRFF board as they were constituted by laws guiding them.

The letter which also spelt out Nigeria’s suspension from Africa and World Cup rugby activities directed the minister to reconstitute the board as previously constituted.

“We have learned of the dissolution of the boards of 31 sports Federations in Nigeria, including the above Rugby Federation to be replaced by handpicked care taker committees.

“We would humbly remind the Honourable Minister that the constitution of the NRFF which was ratified at the Extaordinay General Meeting held in Lagos on the 3rd of March 2018, was also formally approved by Rugby Afrique and by World Rugby at the time.

“This constitution, ratified at the National, Regional and Global level as well as the Nigerian Olympic Committee represented by its Secretrary General specifically stipulates the time and modalities for the elections for a new board of the NRFF which must be held by a duly constituted AGM,” part of the letter obtained by our correspondent read.

Rugby Africa added that “The dissolution of the duly elected board of NRFF is against the stipulations of the approved Constitution and is highly disruptive for the unions’ operations.

“Consequently, we have no choice but to impose an immediate suspension of Nigeria’s partiapation in all Rugby Afrique and World Rugby activities until further notice.

“We do appeal in all sincerity that the Ministry allows the Federation to follow its approved constitution.”

Meanwhile, as hues and criticisms continue to trail the dissolution of 31 sports federation by the sports minister, Sunday Dare, who oversees the sports ministry, Mr Dare Tuesday inaugurated the newly appointed caretaker committees.

Announcing the inauguration in Abuja, Dare said that the appointment requires that all hands are on deck “because continuity is necessary to ensure preparations for the Games (Olylympics) are not hampered in any way.”

He noted that the Caretaker Committees were specially selected to reflect “aspirations” towards podium appearances at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Minister warned that he will not hesitate to remove any Caretaker Committee that works at cross purposes with the Federations’ aspirations.

“It is also important for the Caretaker Committees to know that your jobs terminate immediately after the Olympics as elections into the Federations will be guided by the constitutions and the Code of Governance.”