By Joel Ajayi

Sports stakeholder Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has strongly criticised former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, accusing him of making what he described as “misguided” criticisms of the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking with journalists on Monday in Abuja, Gara Gombe described Dalung as “confused, frustrated and disgruntled,” alleging that the former minister’s recent comments were motivated by personal grievances rather than facts.

According to him, criticism of government policies is a legitimate part of democracy, but it must be objective, constructive and rooted in facts rather than emotion.

“I know Solomon Dalung very well, and in my opinion, he has not been the same since he left office under the late President Muhammadu Buhari. I sincerely pray for his recovery and well-being,” Gara Gombe said.

“People have often asked why I ignored many of his attacks over the years. The reason is simple—I have been praying for him to regain stability and find his footing again. Anyone who knew Solomon Dalung before he became a minister and compares him with the way he speaks, reacts and behaves today will notice a significant difference.

“Dalung described me as a blackmailer, but I thank God for that accusation because, under our criminal justice system, there are offences that carry far greater consequences. As for me, I can point to more than 20 issues relating to his time in office. Each of them can be traced to specific events and documents, and if properly investigated, could raise serious legal questions.

“I challenge Solomon Dalung to a public debate on these matters so Nigerians can hear both sides and judge for themselves.

“His recent comments also show a lack of understanding of how international financial and government systems work. Rather than responding immediately, I chose to ignore him because I did not want to dignify those remarks.

“He has continued to accuse people of blackmail, describe the government as incompetent and make allegations of corruption. I believe the security and anti-corruption agencies should investigate issues relating to his own tenure instead of allowing him to continue making accusations against others.

“One issue that deserves urgent investigation is the incident involving Nigeria’s football team during the 2016 Rio Olympics campaign. The team was reportedly stranded in Atlanta after an expected sponsor failed to provide funds.

“A Nigerian based in the United States, Yemi Idowu, reportedly provided about $300,000 to rescue the team. From the information available to me, the Federal Government later refunded the money. If that is true, Nigerians deserve to know whether the original lender was repaid. If he has not been paid, Solomon Dalung and former NFF President Amaju Pinnick should explain what happened to the money.

“Another issue concerns the acquisition of a house in Gwarinpa. When Solomon Dalung became minister, he was staying at  Hotel in the Musa Yar’Adua area of Abuja. Within 2 months, he acquired a house in Gwarinpa. I challenge him to explain the source of the funds used to purchase that property. There have been allegations that some stakeholders in Nigerian sports financed the purchase. Nigerians deserve an explanation.

“There is also the issue surrounding the burial of his late wife. The Nigeria Football Federation reportedly donated ₦20 million to the burial committee and another ₦5 million for the purchase of a casket.

“At about the same time, the FIFA Audit Committee reportedly raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of $800,000 belonging to the NFF. I personally obtained a copy of that audit report from Dr Amos Adamu and handed it to Solomon Dalung, advising him to issue a formal query to the NFF and demand an explanation.

“Instead, after receiving the financial support from the NFF, the matter appeared to go quiet. Nigerians deserve to know what became of the audit findings and what happened to the alleged missing $800,000.

“Finally, I want Solomon Dalung to explain what happened during preparations for the Rio Olympics. Records reportedly showed that more than 45 people from Plateau State were listed to travel to Brazil, with estacodes and flight tickets processed for them. However, only about seven eventually travelled.

“What happened to the estacodes, flight tickets and funds allocated for those who did not travel? Who collected the money? These are questions that require clear answers. I believe all these issues deserve a thorough investigation so Nigerians can know the truth.

“There are also questions regarding Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing. I want Solomon Dalung to explain what transpired between him and Innoson Motors. It has been alleged that three buses were donated to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, but the vehicles were reportedly taken to his private residence in Jos. Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of what happened.

“I also challenge him to publicly disclose any financial support or donations he allegedly received from the late Prophet T.B. Joshua while he was alive.

Similarly, he should tell Nigerians whether he received any funds from former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, and if so, the circumstances surrounding those payments.

“There are equally questions about how certain public assets, including facilities at the National Stadium in Lagos, were concessioned during his tenure, as well as other financial and administrative decisions taken while he served as minister.

“These are matters of significant public interest, and I believe they deserve a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. If Solomon Dalung disputes any of my claims, I am ready to meet him in a public debate and present the facts and information available to me before the Nigerian public.”

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