N1.2m Facebook account, House summons Nigeria’s sports chief, Ekeji

Posted by admin Headlines, House, Legislature, Soccer, Sports, Track & Field Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Patrick Ekeji is reportedly being summoned by the House of Representatives over the Commission’s expenditures, including N1.2 million for Facebook account.

In a high profile investigation panel set up by the House of Representatives over allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office, Chief Ekeji would explain how the N3.7 billion that was advanced to the Commission for the 10th All Africa Games held in Maputo in 2011 was expended.

According to the Nigerian Tribune,

“He (Chief Ekeji) is expected to defend how he transferred monies to 19 sports federation; N1,200,000.00 (One million, two hundred thousand naira) used in opening Facebook account for the National Sport Commission; N182, 124, 179,000.00 used in rehabilitating the National Stadium in Lagos, and another N117,875,820.95 used in rehabilitating the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (Liberty Stadium) Ibadan. Ekeji will also provide warrant of approval by President Goodluck Jonathan for him to expend the sum of N350,000,000.00 from the yet to be approved 2012 Budget for the London 2012 Olympic Game.”

The said Facebook account of the National Sports Commission currently has about 5000 fans and doesn’t look like anything bought for N1.2 million (about $8000).

While opening a Faceboook account doesn’t cost a dime, it is possible the Commission may have paid a consultant to create and manage the page for a fee or it might just be that budgeting N1.2 million was a good way to embezzle some funds.

Chief Ekeji had earlier been criticised for the poor performance of Nigerian teams in the international arena in 2011 and already, there have been calls for his sack over Nigeria’s sports misfortunes.

The National Sports Commission is responsible for implementing the policy and programs of the Federal Government with respect to sports, sports development, sports infrastructure and facilities development.

The commission is also responsible for preparing national athletes and teams participating and representing Nigeria in continental and international sports competitions

Courtesy Nigerian Tribunewp_posts