Ousted President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari, returned to office on Monday as directed by the Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo.
He was accompanied by three of his close allies, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Ahmed Kawu and Seyi Akinwumni.
Aminu Maigari resumes office.
He went straight to his office as he entered the Glass House.
Interestingly, Acting President Mike Umeh, was already seated in the office before Maigari arrived but not on the President’s seat.
Both Maigari and Umeh addressed sports journalists in the same office- NFF President’s office as the drama played out.
Speaking, Maigari insisted that he did not at anytime resign as NFF President, adding that his priority is proper football development. His words, “If I have resigned I won’t be here”.
On his relationship with Mike Umeh he stated: “My relationship with Mike will remain cordial, he is my first vice, I have sat twice with him and had personal discussion on the way forward for our football”
Asked if the lifting of those banned (Christopher Green and Yusuf Ahmed Fresh) will be lifted, he said “I believe my colleagues will not take a wrong decision, now that I am here we will continue from where they stopped”.
On whether the election will still hold on August 26 he said “the board will sit down to decide on the right thing to do.
“I personally want every single individual who is eligible to be given an opportunity to contest”.
In conclusion, Maigari revealed that it does not matter to him whether he comes back as the President of NFF or not, saying he is only interested in the right thing being done in Nigerian football.
Meanwhile, Mike Umeh, disagreed with the president, insisting also that Maigari remain suspended, insisting that he could not return to office by ministerial fiat.
He said, “The Minister cannot ask Maigari to come back to office because he did not tell us to suspend him. We suspended him in accordance with the laws that govern our football.
“If he is insisting that Maigari comes back, does that not amount to government interference?” Umeh.
Continuing Umeh said; “Maigari cannot be parading himself as President of NFF because he tendered his resignation on August 12”.
We recall that eight of the 13-member Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation few weeks ago suspended Aminu Maigari.
Consequently, Mike Umeh was appointed Acting President. But, last Friday, Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, after a closed door meeting with Maigari in his office at the National Stadium, announced to newsmen that he has directed Maigari to return to office effective from Monday (today).
