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Bash Ali, a renowned Nigerian boxing champion and Guinness World Record hopeful, has sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu accusing some top government officials, including the President's Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, of corruption regarding a $12 million international boxing event. Ali claims that the funds were meant for a planned Guinness World Record Boxing Championship but were mismanaged due to corruption and extortion.
In the letter, Ali specifically names Dare, along with Barrister D.A. Muhammad from the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, stating that they collected N13 million from him under false pretenses. He also accused John Enoh, the current Minister of State for Trade and Investment, of demanding an additional $1 million.
The boxer emphasized the potential of the event to bring honor and economic benefits to Nigeria through tourism and international exposure, noting that 132 countries had agreed to participate. However, he lamented that the fight, which could have been the most-watched Pay Per View event in history, has not materialized due to the actions of corrupt officials.
Ali's letter highlights the challenges and frustrations faced in trying to organize high-profile sports events in the country. He has called on President Tinubu to take action by re-establishing the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee (LOC), investigating the accused officials, and ensuring that the misappropriated funds are returned to him.
The allegations come at a time when President Tinubu's administration is attempting to clean up the nation's image and boost its economy. If proven true, the scandal would be a significant setback to these efforts and could lead to further scrutiny of government officials' involvement in sports projects.
The accused officials have yet to publicly respond to Bash Ali's allegations. The case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, especially in the sports sector, which has the potential to generate significant revenue and promote national pride.