Giwa allays fears over FIFA ban

Factional President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chris Giwa, has again pleaded with Nigerians not to fret over fears of a ‘looming FIFA ban’ assuring that the world football ruling body would not do anything that would harm the interest of the country.
Giwa stressed on Monday in Abuja that FIFA, being a respected international organization, would not act against its own principles, pointing out that “FIFA is aware that the NFF board under my leadership is before the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.”
“I don’t want to make comment concerning this very issue because I know very well that this matter is before CAS, it will be wrong for me to say something about it. But one thing I will like to repeat here is that we should remain calm, there is no cause for alarm. I believe that things are working out very well. I am not expecting anything that will harm the interest of Nigeria, “ he said.
Giwa, who inaugurated four interim committees set up by his board following the decision of a Jos High Court last week, said that the dispute were not beyond remedy, saying that his group was open to reconciliation.
To buttress this point, he said his group made overtures to Aminu Maigari led board before the Warri ‘election’ adding that his board offered to participate in the September 30 elections provided it was not held in Warri, hometown of one of the aspirants.
He said it was for this reason that some members of his board, including the Vice President, Obinna Ogba and Muazu Suleiman activated earlier forms they have bought for the election.
“We held a meeting before the election in Warri and agreed that if the mandate given to us on 26th of August is an issue, we are ready to drop our mandate and go for fresh election but that it should not hold in Warri.”
Giwa said his group took the action to ensure peaceful resolution of the issues. But instead, he said the rival group went ahead with their plans thereby forcing them to seek the intervention of ordinary court.
“In every family where there is dispute, there is always room for reconciliation and con concession. As far as this issue is concerned, Giwa is the elder brother, it is so surprising that you said an elder brother should make a concession; meanwhile, I have no problem with him. We are all members of the football family. If there are issues to be settled, it is not between me and Pinnick. It is for the football family to come and sit down and sort it out. But when we begin to talk personally, I think the problem will remain there.”
He restated that Keshi is the one in charge of the Super Eagles.