Sports Minister John Enoh has issued a warning to former World Boxing Champion Bash Alli, demanding a public apology within a week for false allegations made against him. Failure to comply could result in legal action.
Enoh’s statement follows allegations made by Alli in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the minister requested $1 million from him to support his plan for organizing what he referred to as the oldest boxers’ fight in Nigeria.
In a viral video, the 68-year-old boxer expressed frustration, suggesting that certain individuals hindered his efforts to put Nigeria on the world map, similar to Tunde Onakoya, the chess master who recently broke the Guinness World Record for chess marathon.
Responding to these allegations, Enoh released a statement titled “Bash Alli and his serial blackmail must be confronted and defeated,” warning the boxer to retract his claims and apologize publicly or face legal consequences.
He expressed, “I am compelled to address the viral video and public petition to the President, where Bash Alli, a former World Boxing Champion, recklessly made allegations that I demanded an additional $1 million from him to support his initiative to organize what he refers to as the oldest boxing match in Nigeria.
“When Bash Alli released his video and public letter targeting the President, aiming to tarnish my reputation and integrity, some friends and colleagues suggested that I completely disregard him and his attempts at blackmail. They argued that responding to Bash Alli and his malicious smear campaign would only legitimize and elevate his status.
“After careful consideration, I have reached the unavoidable conclusion that ignoring him would be a grave error. I have two reasons for this decision. Firstly, there is a prevailing perception in the public sphere that individuals in public service are either corrupt or compulsive thieves who recklessly plunder our national resources. Despite its widespread acceptance, this notion is unfounded.
“Amidst the obstacles facing our nation, there are individuals who persist in serving our country with sincerity, integrity, and devotion. I proudly count myself among them.”
The minister emphasized that disregarding Alli would only empower him further and allow him to continue his usual behavior without facing consequences.
He clarified, “Bash Alli’s claim that I demanded ‘another $1m,’ implying that there was a previous payment of $1m, is a blatant falsehood. There was never any instance where I solicited any form of payment from Bash Alli or anyone else.”
Additionally, the minister mentioned that Alli had been eager to meet him shortly after he assumed office, but his staff advised against it.
He explained, “Let me make this clear. Bash Alli was keen to meet me early in my tenure as Minister of Sports Development, even though I had just begun my responsibilities. Despite warnings from my ministry staff about his character, I decided to meet him out of respect for his age and my commitment to an open-door policy.”
“Bash Alli’s efforts to host his boxing event in Nigeria have spanned nearly two decades. To realize this personal goal, he has employed various tactics, including blackmail and covert maneuvers, in an attempt to pressure the Federal Government into allocating over $50m for his event,” he added.
“Previous Sports Ministers have consistently advised him that organizing this fight is not a government responsibility but rather a business venture that should be undertaken by the private sector,” the minister stated.
“In wrapping up this statement, I firmly hold onto the belief that despite our many challenges, our nation still maintains its integrity. We risk losing our essence as a society if we forsake our integrity. Bash Alli’s unwarranted and baseless assault against me undermines principles of decency, honesty, and integrity. The journey to restore my reputation has just begun, and I am committed to pursuing this noble cause relentlessly,” he concluded.
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