There would be no Nigeria Football Federation elections come September 30, 2022, if the order slammed down by Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, is anything to go by.
Justice Ekwo was ruling in a suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1376 filed by Harrison Jalla, Ramson Baribote, Austin Popo and joined by National Association of Nigeria Footballers. The Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick and the Sports Minister are the defendants.
The plaintiffs filed the suit in 2021 challenging praying for an amendment to the NFF statutes 2010 and for equal representation for all the five statutory bodies making up the Nigeria Football Federation in terms of voting rights and representation on the NFF Board, its Congress and Sub/Standing Committees. The Court heard the suit in June 2022 and adjourned further proceedings to October 31 2022.
However, the NFF general assembly meeting August in Lagos approved September 30 for the elective congress in Benin City without recourse to the interlocutory application pending before the Court. Consequently, ruling in an ex parte application moved this morning by (1) Dr. Celsius Ukpong (2) Chief Rumson Victor Baribote and Fayeneniga Jacob all representing the Plaintiff. Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the NFF September 30th Election be put on hold and that parties should maintain status quo and adjourned further proceedings to 31st October 2022.
