A former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Bonfrere Jo, has petitioned the Senate over the alleged refusal of the Lagos State Government to release a property awarded to him for winning gold with the country football team to the 1996 Olympics in the United States of America.
The Dutch led Nigeria to victory in the football event of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, defeating teams such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.
The triumph made Nigeria the first African country to win the Olympic football gold medal.
In a petition submitted on Thursday to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, and copied to the Senate Committee on Sports, Bonfrere Jo said the state has not handed over the land allegedly allocated to him by Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the then Military Administrator of Lagos State.
The letter, signed by T. O. Adejoh and Company, his legal representative, asked the Senate to summon the Lagos State Government to explain the alleged refusal to allocate the plot.
The petition also asked the Senate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing allocation and “ensure that justice is served”.
It further urged the Senate to pressure Lagos State to either release the original land or allocate another “befitting plot commensurate with the achievement of the team”.
Speaking after submitting the petition, media aide to Bonfrere Jo, Eze Okechukwu, said the matter has lingered for 29 years.
Okechukwu said all members of the Atlanta 1996 team and the coaching staff received their land allocations except Bonfrere Jo.
He listed Kanu Nwankwo, Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Tijani Babangida among those who received theirs.
He questioned why Bonfrere Jo’s allocation has not been honoured.
He said that winning an Olympic gold in football has not been repeated by any Nigerian coach.
Anambra lawmaker, Chairman commend INEC, electorate over peaceful election conduct
Okechukwu expressed confidence in the capacity of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to resolve the issue.
Also Read:Obi wrong on Trade Fair Complex says LASG
Summit: APC hails S/West leaders’ vision, commitment to dev’t
FemaleWCQ: Fans to watch for Free as Oyo Govt throws Open Gates.
Reps to present report on the root cause of Plateau crisis to Tinubu
Finance Minister, Edun confirms $700 mln in debt service payments
He described him as a sports enthusiast.
He said Akpabio understands the value of global sporting success and would ensure “the right thing is done”.
Okechukwu said Bonfrere Jo had made several attempts to resolve the matter with Lagos State authorities, including seeking an audience with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He said those attempts were unsuccessful.
He said Bonfrere Jo had also sought the assistance of the late representative of Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah, to facilitate a meeting before his death.
