21st July, 2017
The Nigeria Police has beefed up security at the National Stadium, Abuja, ahead of Friday’s inauguration of the National Sports Federations.
Humans and vehicles entering the stadium were screened by the police, while the men of the Nigerian Legion only opened the gate on instruction.
Pedestrians who had nothing to do with the inauguration fixed for 2 pm. were denied access to the venue just as motorists.
Also, one of the usual entrances to the stadium was under lock, narrowing traffic into the venue.
The development may not be unconnected with the suspicion that the people might react to directives and counter-directives by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports in the elections into the boards of the sports federations.
As at the time of this report, re-run election into boards of Rugby and Gymnastics Federations had yet to commence as hinted in the message made available to the media by the sports ministry.
Representatives of three sports federations emerged during the re-run held on Thursday on the recommendation of the Petition/Appeal Committee for elections held on June 13.
Bolaji Yusuf was elected as representative for the South-West by four delegates at the Nigeria Judo Federation’s re-run election.
Also, five of six delegates elected Tayo Popoola as a representative for South-West in the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation board.
Famous Daunemigha emerged South-South representative for Nigeria Volleyball Federation in the rerun on Thursday.