THE Guardian’s Abuja Sports Correspondent, Marcel Ezeocha Nzeh, has described as a ‘waste of public space’ his ban from attending all the federation’s activities until further notice by the Nigeria by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
In a release circulated to all the media houses on Monday, the NFF said it has banned Nze and Romanus Ugwu of Soccerstar from its programmes, activities and events until further notice.
The release quotes NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu, as saying that the two journalists were no longer welcome at NFF’s “events as they have persevered with campaign of calumny against the Executive Committee and Management of the Federation, for no stated reason.”
Reacting to the ban, Nzeh said it was unfortunate that the NFF was looking for scapegoats instead of putting its house in order, adding, “the Federation has no right to stop me from doing my work.”
According to Nzeh, “my responsibility is to the readers of The Guardian and I have been working hard to ensure that Nigerians are well informed of the events at the NFF.
“The NFF is maintained by Nigerian taxpayers and they deserve to know the truth and nothing but the truth about events in Nigerian football. I cannot join those that shy away from saying the truth because the fate of Nigerian football determines the fate of my family. I will continue to work hard to ensure that the administrators changed their ways so that Nigeria will take its right position in the comity of football nations.”
Nzeh challenged the NFF to point out any of his stories that lacked facts, adding, “rather than see enemies in journalists, the NFF should embrace those who point out its faults when it errs.”
He said, “I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability. I am not answerable to the NFF. My duty is to my employers, The Guardian, and the Nigerians on the street, and I want to assure these people that I will never fail them.”
