INTERVIEW: Lawmakers will prevent ‘frivolous expenses’ by Nigerian officials at Brazil 2014 – Gaiya

Geofrey Gaiya

Gaiya says Nembe City and Giwa FC should be recalled to Nigerian League.

The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya, has stated that there would be no "jamboree" and frivolous spending during the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He also assured Nigerians of accountability before and during the tournament.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Abuja, Mr. Gaiya also remarked on the Nigerian League and the League Management Company, LMC and stated why Nembe City and Giwa FC should be recalled to the league.

PT: What's your take on the LMC?

Gaiya: Since they came on board I have had cause to interact with them only once and that was (in 2013), before the league took off. We were worried then because they had announced the start of the league two days before its commencement but the dates were never respected. So we all became concerned and we summoned them to know why, and when the league would take place. They gave us their word and the league took place on the date they stipulated. Since then, there has been no other interaction. We were made to understand that their tenure was going to be brief, that it is going to be an adhoc-committee and within a year they would have done what needs to be done, rounded up and handed over as stipulated by the statutes. But now, we must call the NFF again to know why the LMC has failed to wind up and hand over according to the statutes.

PT: The LMC is working on the rule book which will be used to govern the league, what do you expect from it?

Gaiya: I don't know about any rule book. The only rules I know are the FIFA statutes, NFF and NPL statutes. Let them show me. First, we will know the foundation and contents of the rule book. We are sitting as a committee; we should be guided by laws. We are waiting and I believe that (the LMC) are on their way. We have the right to call them to hear about the rule book; whether they have the capacity or the power to create one. We are here to look at what is right and what is not right.

PT: What's your reaction to the expulsion of Nembe City and Giwa FC from the premier league?

Gaiya: We got a petition from Nembe and Giwa over the expulsion. We want to unravel the two petitions and see the best way we can get them undone. We have their papers with us and we want to get to the root, the bottom of the matter and see how it can be resolved. It is our duty to listen to our constituency when they have needs; so if anyone thinks there are misgivings, they can come to us.

PT: What about the Nigerian League meeting with the LMC and the NFF to resolve the issue?

Gaiya: The meeting was shifted. We will meet again on March 20 with all the stakeholders that are involved in this matter.

PT: Are there possibilities that Nembe City and Giwa FC would be restored back to the Nigerian League?

Gaiya: Why not? Why would they not be back? They are qualified, they have won their promotion and how will you just use a fiat and stop them from participating. They are in the premier league, and they must play in the premier league. If there are issues, we will resolve it. Are the issues unresolvable? They are issues between human beings and we are here as arbitrators. We will follow the rules and follow the books and other things must be done.

PT: What is your take on the NFF's budget on the FIFA 2014 World Cup?

Gaiya: We first interacted with NFF on Monday before their Tuesday meeting with the Senate. We have seen their books and we know that there are three sources of revenues coming into the NFF: the Federal government; of course, we must support the team because it is our asset. We are also aware that they have participation fee and appearance fee from FIFA. It is a grant given to all participating federations. Despite the N1.29 billion grants, they said from their own working calculation, they still have a short fund of N800 million. But of course it is a proposal. We are looking at items we can trim down. We don't expect it to be a jamboree; we don't want frivolous expenses. We will step up our oversight function. We must be there when bonuses are given, we want to know how many people would go for the tournament; all the figures, cost of the hotels and so on. So we will go through it all because of accountability.

PT: What's the House Committee on Sports working relationship with the NFF with regards to the World Cup?

Gaiya: We are working harmoniously together, of course. The friendly match that was played in Atlanta, I paid my way to get there because I wanted to be on ground. I was not sponsored and I can assure you, we will keep doing that until the very day of the actual preparation will start, on May 26, till the tournament proper. It will become the property of the federal government so that whatever happens from that day, till the World Cup, will be of our interest. We will be there to ensure that it is done and whatever they say they will do, would be done. I'm sure my committee will never relent even if it means paying from our pockets to attend the activities.

PT: There are reports that Keshi has been having headaches over the selection of players to the World Cup. What is your advice for the coach?

Gaiya: First of all, Keshi is a blessed coach, he has abundant talents and that's a sign of a very good team. To be fair to him, to pick the best 11 from Nigeria is not an easy assignment. You have to juggle and juggle and juggle. I respect him as a coach. Ultimately, he knows what he wants. He will be the one that will give us what he wants. Even if he wants to use me to achieve the result, why not? He should stay focused and go for the best player in form and a team player.

PT: Nigeria will be participating in the FIFA U17 Female World Cup; what measures are been taken to make it a success. Also, what is your committee doing to promote female football in Nigeria?

Gaiya: Female football is our pride, it is our own and we are happy with their achievements. My assistant is a woman and one of those who initiated female football in this country; so it is our baby. They have been camping and training in Faro, Portugal and so far they have only played just one draw. Before that it was winning and success. (The Flamingoes) were also included in our budget defence on Tuesday. (The NFF) has made provisions for them and done everything to make them comfortable and we have wished them all the best at the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Lawmakers will prevent 'frivolous expenses' by Nigerian officials at Brazil 2014 – Gaiya.