NLO Chief: NFF statutes made Club Chairmen Forum illegal

NLO Chief: NFF statutes made Club Chairmen Forum illegal

Nationwide League One (NLO), the custodian of grassroot football league in Nigeria, states clearly why its Statute made the Progressive Club Chairman Forum an unpopular, illegitimate and dangerous scheme in the overwhelming majority of the clubs in the Division One and U19 Youth League.

NLO's Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Hassan Garo, says the Forum is anti-progressive by design looking at its composition.

Garo told NLO Media: "As a league body, we're guided by the Statutes of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with the Congress as the ultimate decision-making authority.

"It's important to recognise that football operates under clear rules. Since the Forum is formed under an aegis or association framework, its activities should not disrupt the official management of Nationwide League One, as they are not officially recognised by the Nigeria Football Federation.

"While we are not bound by their actions, we will not tolerate meddling in their schemes and structure. It is concerning that the chairmen of NLO clubs in the North-West Zone—where I serve—are not aware of the so-called Progressive Club Chairmen Forum, who claim to act on behalf of the NLO. This raises questions about their legitimacy, and the Forum has no valid justification for its interference."

However, the approved governance, as outlined in the NLO Statutes approved by the NFF Congress, states that the Secretariat is not obliged to recognise any group claiming to represent clubs in the NLO.

According to Articles 8 and 9 of the Statutes, all registered clubs voluntarily agree to fully comply with the League rules and the NFF statutes.

1. The General Assembly is the meeting where all NLO members convene regularly. It is the highest legislative authority of NLO.

2. The General Assembly can be ordinary or extraordinary.

3. The chairman presides over the meeting following the standing orders.

4. Delegates represent all clubs in their respective states and FCT, Abuja, with one delegate per state.

5. All delegates have equal votes, and only those present can vote.

6. League Board members and the Secretary attend the General Assembly without voting rights. During their terms, they cannot be appointed as delegates for their clubs or states.