Buhari Hails FIFA’s Anti-Corruption Drive

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, July 25th, 2016

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja said his administration will pay keen interest to accountability and transparency to fast-track football development in the country.

However, the President while receiving the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and his Secretary-General, Fatma Samuora, at State House, challenged football administrators to fashion out strategic programmes to develop the game.

President Buhari in a statement by his SA on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina congratulated the duo on their election, particularly Samuora, the first African and female to be elected FIFA Scribe. He also hailed Infantino’s programme tailored towards reforming the world game through “transparency, anti-corruption and good governance”.

The President pledged Nigeria’s support to FIFA President’s reform agenda, noting that they were similar to those his Presidency had outlined to resuscitate in Nigeria.

‘‘Majority of Nigerians are married to football. In the rural areas, when there is no electricity and there is a game to watch, Nigerians go to the extent of renting small generators, popularly known as ‘I better-pass-my neighbour’ to watch the game.

‘‘We will take the development of football very seriously and I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to behave itself and organize effective competitions for the good of the game,’’ the President warned.

‘‘Accountability is serious business and I welcome you (Infantino) into the club of accountable Chief Executive Officers,’’ the President restated.

In his remarks, Infantino asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.
‘‘I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however, infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen, ’’ he stressed.

The FIFA officials were accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel.