Gara Gombe urges ICPC to probe ex-minister Dalung over Lagos stadium, Rio Olympics funds
By Uzor Odigbo
Sports entrepreneur, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, over decisions taken during his tenure.
Gombe’s call was in response to Dalung describing him as a “serial blackmailer” seeking attention. Dalung had recalled petitions previously submitted by Gombe against the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), noting that Gombe was subsequently appointed into positions within the sports administration.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Athletics and Other Sports Commission, said he had initially refrained from responding to Dalung’s recent political comments, but decided to speak out after the former minister allegedly attacked him following an interview he granted on developments in Nigerian sports.
“I have known Solomon Dalung for many years, and I believe his conduct since leaving office has been troubling. The way he speaks, reacts and carries himself raises serious concerns,” Gombe said.
Rather than dwell on being labelled a blackmailer, Gombe challenged the former minister to account for his stewardship in office.
He urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate what he described as unresolved issues from Dalung’s tenure.
One of the issues, according to Gombe, concerns an alleged $300,000 loan reportedly obtained to support Nigeria’s football team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
He claimed the Federal Government refunded the money, but questions remain about whether the original lender was repaid.
“Nigerians deserve to know what happened,” he said.
Gombe also questioned the handling of facilities at the National Stadium, Lagos, during Dalung’s tenure, particularly a proposed handover to former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for renovation.
“He promised to hand over the Lagos National Stadium to Ambode for renovation, but what happened?” Gombe asked.
He further alleged that Dalung had claimed a forged letter from the Presidency stalled the project, challenging him to produce the document and reveal its author.
“He should bring out the letter and tell Nigerians who wrote it,” Gombe said.
The sports administrator also criticised anti-corruption and security agencies for failing to properly scrutinise allegations against public office holders.
“I blame the government of the day. I blame the ICPC. I blame the EFCC. I blame the Nigerian Police and even the DSS,” he said.
Gombe insisted that political affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability for actions taken while in public office.
