Investigation
By Kayode Adebiyi
Abuja, April 16, 2018 (NAN) The Investigative Committee looking into alleged violation of doping rules and improper conduct in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, says its report may be delayed due to major stakeholders participation in the just concluded Commonwealth Games.
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, while inaugurating the five-man committee March 27, had given it three weeks within which to complete investigation and submit its report to the ministry.
However, the Secretary, Olusegun Akinlotan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the participation of many key stakeholders in the just-concluded XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia meant that the committee might have to work beyond the initial three weeks specified by the minister.
“Some of the committee members and other stakeholders went to Gold Coast, Australia, for the Commonwealth Games.
“They are expected be back this week and their attendance at the Games means that we’ve lost some time within the deadline given to the committee by the minister,’’ he said.
Akinlotan, a deputy director in the ministry, also explained that being an investigative committee charged to establish whether the Nigerian government over the years acted in a manner to cover up such a sensitive issue, it had to be thorough.
“We need to dig into the matter, embark on fact-finding missions and invite concerned persons and other stakeholders for interrogation before coming up with a report.
“So, as soon as the Nigerian contingent returns from Australia, we will continue our work,’’ the committee secretary said.
NAN reports that during the inauguration, Dalung had empowered the Pius Oteh-led committee to call anybody involved for interrogation.
“The committee has the power to dig into the matter and call anybody that is found wanting to appear before the committee irrespective of the person’s position,’’ the minister had said.
Akinlotan, however, assured Nigerians that the committee would do its best to come up with a prompt and comprehensive report at the end of its investigation. (NAN)
KIA/AAB/PDE
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(Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Peter Ejiofor)