FOR seventeen years and counting, The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been embroiled in a saga of illegality and disregard for established laws under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. Dr. Sanusi’s journey within the NFF ranks has been marked by allegations of impropriety and a blatant disregard for statutory regulations, leading to a cloud of controversy hanging over his tenure.
Initially engaged as a contract staff in 2007, Dr. Sanusi ascended the ranks to become the General Secretary in 2014, a position he has held for more than a decade. Despite the Federal Government Public Service Rule clearly stipulating a maximum of four years for contract appointments, Dr. Sanusi’s continuous stay beyond this limit has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various quarters.
Furthermore, Dr. Sanusi’s appointment as General Secretary has been deemed a violation of the NFF Statute, which mandates that the incumbent should possess the necessary professional qualifications. The NFF’s repeated extensions of Dr. Sanusi’s contract have not only flouted established rules but have also raised questions about financial transparency and accountability within the organization.
Rumors swirling about Dr. Sanusi’s exorbitant monthly salary of $10,000, allegedly sourced from funds meant for football development, have further fueled concerns about financial mismanagement. The stark disparity between Dr. Sanusi’s remuneration and that of the Nigerian President underscores the lack of justification for such high compensation, especially in a sector reliant on taxpayers’ money.
The proposal to extend Dr. Sanusi’s tenure for another two years, initially slated for discussion at the NFF General Assembly, was met with public outcry and subsequently shelved. However, recent reports suggest ongoing efforts to extend his stay until after the 2025 AFCON, highlighting a persistent disregard for established norms and public sentiment.
Criticism of Dr. Sanusi’s leadership extends beyond financial matters to questions of competence and integrity. Accusations of replacing skilled professionals with less competent individuals and stifling dissent through strategic staffing decisions have cast a shadow over his tenure. The alleged manipulation of governance structures to consolidate power raises serious concerns about the culture of governance within the NFF.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s failure to adhere to established rules and principles has not only stunted the growth of the country’s football architecture but has also eroded public trust in the organization. It is imperative that the National Sports Commission and the Federal Government intervene to ensure accountability, transparency, and the appointment of competent career officers within the NFF to steer the organization towards a path of reform and progress.
In conclusion, the tenure of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi at the Nigeria Football Federation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability, integrity, and adherence to established laws within the realm of sports governance. The time for reform is now, and the Federal Government must act decisively to restore public confidence in the administration of football in Nigeria.
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