NOSA EGHAGHA
NIGERIA: Human rights activist, Barrister Deji Adeyanju has issued a scathing open letter to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the dismissal of the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, following Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In his letter, Adeyanju highlights what he described as Enoh’s “woeful performance” and mismanagement, which he claims contributed to Nigeria’s poor showing at the games.
Adeyanju’s letter criticized Enoh for failing to deliver on his promises and for not implementing the National Sports Industry Policy.
He accused the Minister of neglecting sports facilities across the country, even as he allegedly demonstrated a concerning lack of understanding of the sports sector.
“I write to express my outrage and disappointment at the woeful performance of Team Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This debacle is a direct result of the incompetence of Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, who has consistently shown a lack of preparation and unwillingness to learn from the experiences of those before him.
“On resumption of duty, the Minister had promised a lot but has failed to implement the National Sports Industry Policy, abandoned sports facilities across the country, and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the sports sector.”
This neglect, Adeyanju argues, is directly responsible for the dismal performance of Nigerian athletes at the recent Olympics.
The letter outlines several key issues that plagued Nigeria’s Olympic team, including administrative blunders and lack of preparation.
Among the highlighted problems was the disqualification of athlete Favour Ofilli from the 100m race, which Adeyanju attributed to administrative negligence by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) appointed by Enoh.
Additionally, the 4x100m relay team faced disqualification for crossing their lanes, an issue Adeyanju links to inadequate preparation.
Adeyanju also pointed to athlete eligibility problems due to poor documentation and registration as further evidence of the Ministry’s incompetence.
While criticizing the accreditation issues faced by coaches and athletes, as well as the lack of proper equipment, citing a case where an athlete had to borrow a bicycle, the activist further condemned the handling of the D’Tigres basketball team, who were not permitted to participate in the opening parade due to negligence and were forced to endure an arduous eight-hour road journey to their first match.
“The recent Olympics were marred by disqualifications and controversies, including: Favour Ofilli’s unregistration for the 100m due to a administrative negligence of the LOC appointed by the Minister;
“Disqualification of the 4x100m relay team due to crossing the lane, a direct indictment on their level of preparation; Athlete eligibility issues due to poor documentation and registration; Accreditation issues for coaches and athletes;
“The lack of adequate preparations for our best performing team, D’Tigres, who were not allowed to join the opening parade due to negligence by officials, and forced to travel over eight hours by road for their first match; Lack of proper equipment for athletes, leading to a team member borrowing a bicycle.
“These incidents highlight the gross incompetence of Nigerian sports officials, who have failed to provide adequate support and resources for our athletes. Athlete welfare must be given a primary consideration over the lavishness of LOC officials and friends of the Minister.” Adeyanju said
In light of these issues, Adeyanju has called for Enoh’s immediate removal, arguing that his continued presence in the role will only worsen the state of Nigerian sports.
Additionally, Adeyanju urged President Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the Ministry’s handling of the Olympics.
“Mr. President, I urge that you sack the sports minister. His incompetence has brought shame to our nation, and his continued presence will only exacerbate the decline of Nigerian sports.
“Furthermore, I urge you to initiate a probe into the ministry’s handling of the Olympics by directing the Permanent Secretary to submit a comprehensive list of everyone who was part of the ministry’s delegation to the Olympics. This will help identify those responsible for the failures and ensure accountability.
“We need a thorough investigation to uncover the rot in the sports ministry and restore Nigerian sports to its former glory.” He said
