By Aderonke Ojo
Sports stakeholder Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has challenged former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, to a public debate over allegations and controversies surrounding his tenure, saying it would give Nigerians the opportunity to hear both sides and reach their own conclusions.
Addressing pressmen in Abuja on Monday, Gara Gombe said he was prepared to publicly present documents and facts to support his claims against the former minister, whom he also accused of making what he described as “misguided” criticisms of the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“I challenge Solomon Dalung to a public debate on these matters so Nigerians can hear both sides and judge for themselves,” Gara Gombe declared.
He argued that while criticism of government policies is a legitimate feature of democracy, it must be constructive, factual and devoid of personal bitterness.
Responding to Dalung’s allegation that he was a blackmailer, Gara Gombe dismissed the claim, insisting that there were more than 20 issues arising from Dalung’s tenure that deserved public scrutiny and investigation.
He called on security and anti-corruption agencies to investigate several matters, including the financing of Nigeria’s football team’s participation at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the acquisition of a house in Gwarinpa shortly after Dalung assumed office, and the handling of funds linked to travel arrangements for the Rio Games.
Gara Gombe also questioned the circumstances surrounding financial support allegedly received from the Nigeria Football Federation during the burial of Dalung’s late wife, as well as the handling of an audit report alleging the disappearance of $800,000 belonging to the NFF.
Among other issues, he urged the former minister to explain allegations concerning donated buses from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the concessioning of facilities at the National Stadium in Lagos, and alleged financial support from the late Prophet T.B. Joshua and former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano.
According to him, these are matters of significant public interest that deserve thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.
Gara Gombe maintained that he was ready to defend every allegation he raised in an open forum and insisted that a public debate would allow Nigerians to independently assess the facts.
