NFF Shuns Senate On Budget Defence, Risks Missing 2019 Budget Allocation

NFF Shuns Senate On Budget Defence, Risks Missing 2019 Budget Allocation By Amaechi Agbo Shrouded in secrecy financial impripriety made manifest by FIFA's suspension of all financial grants accruable to the Nigeria football federation since 2015, cash-strapped Amaju Pinnick-led NFF are now in danger of not receiving budgetary allocation from the Federal Government of Nigeria in the current fiscal year, Bsnsports.com.ng understands. According to Scorenigeria, NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick and other top bosses were scheduled Thursday afternoon to appear in person to defend their budget before the Senate Committee on Sports headed by Obinna Ogba but failed to show up. Amaju Pinnick failed to appear before the Senate sports committee to defend their budget. The paper further learnt the committee has directed Pinnick and other top relevant officials to make sure they show up unfailingly on Tuesday or else their budget will not be approved. Three accounting officials of the NFF were in October 2018 docked in an FCT High Court at Maitama, accused of misappropriating 9.5 million Dollars and $1.3 million. The defendants are Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department. They were dragged to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation. On October 30, 2018, top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi, LMC boss, Shehu Dikko; head of technical, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’, NFF finance director, Mohammed Cheku as well as Chris Green, Sunday Dele Ajayi, and Chuks of the NFF marketing department appeared in Abuja before the Special Presidential Investigation Panel For The Recovery Of Pubic Property. In a letter dated October 24, 2018, and addressed to the NFF president Amaju Pinnick, the panel said it "is investigating a case of alleged conspiracy and diversion of public funds in the NFF." It is on record that more than 90% of the annual budget of the NFF is borne by the federal government of Nigeria. Credit: bestchoicesports.com