Dalung Wants EFCC, ICPC To Investigate Corruption in Sports

By Niyi Busari The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to beam their searchlights on Nigeria's sports sector. The minister made the request on Tuesday before unveiling the National anti-corruption marathon, Abuja 2018. "All corrupt cases affecting sports must be investigated," he said. Descend on corrupt people in sports. When you return to your office, look at the files of corrupt persons and bring them to the front burner." While lamenting the depth of corruption in the country's sports sector, Dalung said there must be integrity in the sector to attract investment. "We have the issue of match-fixing, allocation of medals, doping among others. Athletes are being denied their entitlements by officials," he lamented. The minister, who noted that corruption was more than financial misdeeds, said the wrong use of power was the biggest corrupt practice in the country. "Those holding offices are using their powers to shield corrupt people in the country. "We must fight impunity through constitutionalism. Impunity is crippling our national life and the worst corruption is impunity," Dalung stressed. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of EfCC, Ibrahim Magu said the aim of the marathon was to bring together all segments of the society to support the fight against corruption. Represented by Mohammed Saleh, Magu who argued that corruption was destroying sports in the country, advised that risks of corruption in sport should be included in sports education. Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the event, Jacob Onu said the marathon will hold on November 3, adding that registration is open to all athletes interested in the race.