A fresh crisis is brewing in sports circles in Nigeria as the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation has been suspended indefinitely from global activities around the sport.
Rugby Africa announced the indefinite suspension in a letter sent to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare on Monday.
In a letter obtained by Roving Naija, Rugby Africa warned that Nigeria stands ineligible to take part in any of its global activities except the right steps are taken in line with the constitution of the Rugby board.
“We have learned of the dissolution of the boards of 31 sports Federations in Nigeria, including the above Rugby Federation to be replaced by handpicked caretaker committees.
“We would humbly remind the Honourable Minister that the constitution of the NRFF which was ratified at their Extraordinary General Meeting held in Lagos on the 3rd of March 2018, was also formally approved by
Rugby Afrique and by World Rugby at the time.
“This constitution, ratified at the National, Regional and Global level, as well as the Nigerian Olympic Committee, represented by its Secretary-General specifically stipulates the time and modalities for the elections for a new board of the NRFF which must be held by a duly constituted AGM.
“The dissolution of the duly elected board of NRFF is against the stipulations of the approved Constitution and is highly disruptive for the unions’ operations.
“Consequently, we have no choice but to impose an immediate suspension of Nigeria’s participation in all Rugby Afrique and World Rugby activities until further notice.
“We do appeal in all sincerity that the Ministry allows the Federation to follow its approved constitution.
Rugby Afrique avails itself of this opportunity of assuring the Honourable Minister of its highest consideration.”
