Just in: Apologise to Nigeria, Senate tells Libya govt
By Henry Umoru
The Senate has asked the government of Libya to as a matter of urgency, apologise to Nigeria as a country following the inhumane treatment they subjected the Super Eagles to upon their arrival for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Senate condemned in very strong terms, what it described as very shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities which is an unfortunate incident and total disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms.
The Upper Chamber has also called for a holistic investigation into the ugly incident.
The resolution of the Senate on Tuesday was sequel to a point of Order raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South who came under Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules on personal explanation.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North who presided over the Plenary and condemned what happened in Libya to the Super Eagles, said that the way the players were treated was terrible and condemnable and the action was not in tandem with the spirit of sports, adding that the essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent.
Jibrin said, “The matter was brought under Personal Explanation by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South).
“What happened to the Super Eagles in Libya is not in tandem with the spirit of sports. The essence of sports is to promote unity and competition and enhance brotherhood among the countries on the continent. The way our players are treated is terrible and condemnable.
“Fortunately, you (Kawu) have come through a personal explanation, and this is what we intended it to do because we don’t want a diplomatic row; we think this is a mistake that the Libyan should be given a chance to correct and apologise to the Nigerian government.
“Nigeria is a big country in Africa. We always lead in terms of diplomacy, friendship and everything. Based on that spirit, I am sure you decided that this matter should be treated this way so we can give their leaders a chance to apologise to our national team.
“So, we call on the ambassador and whoever is concerned and the authorities to come out and apologise for what they have done to our national team.
“So, I thank the Chairman of the Sports Committee. You have done very well, and it is good that you have brought forth this matter. You have shown that you are up and doing in terms of your duties.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has condemned in strong terms the ill-treatment of members of the nation’s senior team, the Super Eagles, and its delegation to a return leg of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier in Libya.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio who decried the antics and shameful behaviour of the Libyan officials and authorities, said, “This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect for international norms”.
He declared that the reported mistreatment of our players is not only unacceptable but also a breach of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that underpin international football competitions.
The statement read, “As the President of the Senate, I stand in solidarity with the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the entire Nigerian football community in condemning this unjust treatment. The Nigerian Senate will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rights and dignity of our citizens are protected. We will not tolerate any form of mistreatment or disrespect towards our nationals, regardless of the circumstances.
“We demand a thorough investigation from the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and appropriate sanctions to be meted out against those involved.
“It is also imperative that the Libyan authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent future occurrences.
“We call on the international football community to condemn this unacceptable behaviour and support our demand for justice.”
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