Minister hails Jonathan for approving Keshi’s salary fund

The Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has showered praises on President Goodluck Jonathan for approving the N78 million outstanding salaries of the Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, and his assistants.
Abdullahi took the issue to Jonathan when the Alhaji Aminu Maigari-led Nigeria Football Federation could not pay the salaries of the coaches in its employment.
The Minister did not like this.
Abdullahi has, however, got the approval of the President for the salary to be paid.
He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has shown more than enough commitment to sports in this country.
“Each time we run to him when we have a problem, he comes to our aid.
“On the issue of Stephen Keshi’s salary, I got the approval on Friday (November 29, 2013).”
Abdullahi disclosed this on Sunday at a parley with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, held at the VIP Lounge of the Abuja National Stadium.
The minister said that the coach’s salary ought not to be paid by the president of the country under a normal setting.
Abdullahi added: “The president of Nigeria shouldn’t be paying coaches salaries.
“The Nigeria Football Federation should be able to pay their own coaches.
“So if the Federation is not able to do that, you will see the Federal Government coming to the rescue at all time.
“But that is not right.”