Former World Boxing Champion, Bashiru Lawrence Ali (Bash Ali), has accused the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Hon. John Enoh, of demanding $1 million from him for the organization of a world boxing championship in Nigeria.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ali claims that Enoh has stalled the project because he refused the demand.
He alleges that the Minister is only interested in personal enrichment rather than the benefit of the nation.
Ali emphasizes that the championship could generate significant revenue for Nigeria if organized without corruption.
He highlights the potential of the event to compete with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company in terms of financial contributions and job creation.
The former champion states that he has rejected lucrative offers to host the fight outside of Nigeria, prioritizing the honor and glory it would bring to his country.
However, despite his patriotism, Ali claims that Enoh has turned the “Renewed Hope Agenda” into a “Renewed Hopelessness Agenda” by obstructing the project.
Ali has outlined four prayers to President Tinubu:
1. Take over the hosting of the fight.
2. Settle the lawsuit against the Federal Government out of court
3. Permit him to present historic fight souvenirs to the President
4. Investigate the allegations against Minister Enoh and take appropriate action.
Ali has also sent copies of his petition to the Nigerian Senate, House of Representatives, and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination.
He claims that the matter has been brought to the attention of other cabinet members but they have not intervened.
Ali alleges that Enoh has developed a pattern of delaying tactics, pretending to work on the project but intentionally misplacing his file.
He emphasizes that he has been instructed to be patient for eight months, but only a payment of $1 million to Enoh would expedite the process.
The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Hon. John Enoh, has not responded to requests for clarification.
