Former President of National Assocition of Professional Footballers, Harrison Jalla has faulted the claims of Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko on FIFA Forward Funds.
Jala argued that claims by Dikko on national television that nobody collected the FIFA Forward Funds were misleading and has countered him with his own evidence.
He stated that there are empirical evidence in his possession to buttress his submission that Dikko erred in his claims that nobody collected the FIFA Forward Funds.
‘I state as follows: Shehu Dikko’s claim is misleading. As a critical stakeholder in Nigerian football who has conducted thorough findings on the FIFA Forward Funds and indeed all streams of FIFA funding, I present these facts:
1. The FIFA Forward Funds are paid directly into the NFF’s Central Bank account under the control and command of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
2. On 25th October 2020, with reference number S47547746 and transaction details PHUB:FT 2029003132/CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA, the sum of USD 262,116.28 was transferred to the First Bank account of the contractor handling the Ugborodo project as the first tranche payment.
3. On 7th May 2021, through the same account details, another sum of USD 306,045.52 was transferred. These are the only payments the contractor has received so far.
The job on the ground, as well as the stockpiled materials for completing the project now rotting away, clearly justify the amount received. The project is sited in my maternal hometown, and I am speaking from firsthand knowledge.
Jalla said ‘Dikko must stop defending the NFF. Nigerians already know that the NFF is corruption personified. He should focus on his duties as Chairman of the National Sports Commission and constitute the NSC Board without further delay. Dikko has spent one year as Chairman running the NSC as a sole administrator.’
He stressed ‘The claim that the NFF is not involved in disbursing the FIFA Forward Funds is misleading. Dikko should take time to read the contract agreements between the NFF and the two contractors handling the Kebbi and Ugborodo projects.’
A sum of $200,000 each was inserted as tax — but where in the world are FIFA funds taxable?
The simple question remains: Where is the balance of the money to complete the Ugborodo project?
Dikko should ensure that the Ugborodo project is completed, not defend the NFF.
– Prince Harrison Jalla