The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)- led by Olamide George as President has called invitation for trials to World Athletics U-20 championship and Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Championship by Gusau-led AFN, Ibrahim Gusau as ‘criminal’
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the George-led AFN Secretary,Adisa Beyioku and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.
Mr Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sport Development had attended AFN eveluation meet organised by George-led AFN on Saturday.
The Gusau-led board, had in a statement earlier in the month, signed by its Director-General, Siminialayi Pepple inviting athletes and officials to national trials scheduled for Port Harcourt from March 29 and 30.
The statement noted that Ibrahim Gusau had no right to call for invitation of athletes as he is not recognised by the Federal Government nor the ministry of youth and sports.
“The Engr brahlm Shehu Gusau, Sunday Adeleye and Siminilayi Pepple, self acclalmed autonomous AFN does not have the recognition of the Federal MInIstry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD).
” And as such has no locus standi: to organise any trials, select, or take any athlete or offICIal outsude the shores of Nigeria to participate in any International event including all games like Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games without the approval of the Federal Goverment of Nigeria,” the statement red in parts.
The statement noted that there was a pending criminal proceding against Gusau for coveting AFN funds into private account,while also parading an appeal court judgement which recognises him(Gusau) as president.
The statement also revealed that with the Ministry of Sports had appealed the judgement at Supreme Court against the judgement with an application for stay of execution as well as injuction pending appeal had been lodged at the court.
“Consequently, in view of the stay of execution already lodged, It is criminal and contemptuous for Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau to parade himself as the President of AFN
This case, as well as other clandestine activities of Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau have since separated them from the Board of AFN.
The statement urged all athletics association, the military and paramilitary and clubs as well as general public to dissociate from the activities of the group.
The statement affirmed that Hon. Olamide George remained the President of the Association and had the month of May to organise World Trials to select Nigerian athletes to the African Senior Championship and the Tokyo Olympics.
