By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru
THE House of Representatives yesterday, ordered its committee on sports to summon the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in a bid to amicably resolve the crisis rocking the apex football body in Nigeria.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung signing the condolence register of NFF, Head of Protocol, Ibrahim Abubakar, at NFF Secretariat, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 6, 2015

This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance promoted by Rep, Prestigious Ossy who recalled that trouble started when a high Court nullified the election of Amaju Pinnick and declared Chris Giwa as the winner of the election. “Since the Jos High Court granted Giwa’s motion seeking the re-listing of his case against the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF Board, the in-fighting has escalated.

“It took the timely Intervention of officers and men of the Nigerian Police to prevent a total breakdown of law and order at the headquarters of the NFF “Ossy told the House.

He said that the crisis in the NFF would affect the chances of Nigeria qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup and its performances at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Brazil.

The Abia-born lawmaker said that he had it on good authority that the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino would soon visit the country and it will not be good if he visits the football at a time of crisis.

In his submission on the matter, Rep Abdulrazak Namdas, APC, Adamawa described the crisis as “going backwards” adding that the problems confronting the NFF needs to be addressed immediately.

Rep Ossai Ossai, PDP, Delta said, “We should support this motion because it creates a good image for us. Football brings the youths together, “he added.

The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara who presided.

The Committee is to report back to the House  within two weeks  for further legislative input.