Two coaches associated with Like-Minds Football Club, Luke Olaiya and Meschach Olatunji, have vehemently contested their indefinite suspension by the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA). They argue that the committee’s actions constitute a blatant disregard for the established statutes of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and represent a flawed process riddled with procedural irregularities. The coaches maintain that the suspension stems from a misunderstanding that arose during the FCT FA election, a situation they believe has been unfairly and improperly escalated by the committee.
Olaiya, who divides his time between coaching and a career in construction, recounted the incident that precipitated the disciplinary action. Arriving directly from a construction site, he was subjected to a security search where he was found to be carrying a penknife, a tool common to his construction work. Following an explanation to the police, he was permitted to proceed, pending further investigation. He expressed surprise at the committee’s swift and seemingly premature decision to impose an indefinite suspension, particularly given the ongoing nature of the police inquiry. He pointed to the short timeframe provided for his appearance before the panel, less than the stipulated 48 hours according to NFF statutes, and the committee’s public announcement of the suspension without the requisite board approval as further evidence of procedural breaches. He stressed that established protocols dictate the issuance of a reminder in cases of non-appearance, a step that was conspicuously omitted by the committee, who instead opted to publish their report on the same day.
Olatunji, Olaiya’s fellow coach, echoed these concerns and raised additional questions about the composition of the disciplinary committee itself. He highlighted the presence of Mansur Abdullah, an individual previously banned by the FCT FA board, and Barr. Jimmy Kadiri, who remains under suspension by the Gwagwalada Area Council. Olatunji argued that the involvement of these individuals, whose own standing within the FCT football administration is questionable, undermines the legitimacy of the committee’s proceedings and casts doubt on its impartiality. He characterized their participation as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of both the coaches and Like-Minds Football Club, suggesting an ulterior motive behind the disciplinary actions.
Both coaches emphasized their presence at the FCT FA election was solely as observers, not as official representatives of Like-Minds Football Club. They clarified that their attendance was in a personal capacity, not as delegates or officials acting on behalf of their club. This distinction, they argue, further underscores the disproportionate nature of the sanctions imposed by the committee. Their attendance as observers, they maintain, did not warrant the severe disciplinary action taken against them.
The coaches’ core argument centers on the perceived disregard for due process and the lack of adherence to established NFF protocols. They contend that the committee’s actions represent a breach of established rules and regulations, which are designed to ensure fairness and transparency in disciplinary proceedings. The hurried nature of the suspension, coupled with the questionable composition of the committee, suggests a predetermined outcome, designed to unfairly penalize them. They maintain that the process has been flawed from the outset, undermining the integrity of the FCT FA’s disciplinary procedures.
Olaiya and Olatunji have appealed to the NFF to intervene and ensure that the proper procedures are followed. They are seeking a review of the committee’s decision, urging the NFF to uphold the principles of fairness and due process as enshrined in the NFF statutes. They believe that the NFF’s intervention is crucial to rectifying the perceived injustice and preserving the long-standing tradition of peace and order within FCT football. The coaches’ call for intervention reflects their desire to see the matter resolved fairly and transparently, in accordance with established rules and regulations. They emphasize the importance of upholding these principles to maintain the integrity of football governance within the FCT.
