President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has finally explained the reasons for his decision not to vie for a third term.
First elected in September 2014, he was elected for a second term on September 20, 2018.
Recall that Pinnick in April 2022 disclosed that his second term would be his last at the helms at the Glass House but failed to give any reason.
In an appearance on Arise TV on Monday, the NFF President explained that he has had to put up with “bitterness, hatred, and animosity” from people he expected would back him for the nation’s sake.
He noted that institutions that should protect him have also conspired to ridicule and humiliate him over the course of his stewardship.
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Pinnick, whose second term is gradually drawing to a close, said he chose not to pursue a third for the sake of his family.
“I love this country but the issue of hate and bitterness. Institutions that are meant to protect you are the ones opening you up for humiliation, ridicule and possible annihilation,” he said.
“There are 7.7 billion people in the world but there are only 37 people in FIFA and a Nigerian is one of them. It is good enough for us, but some people want that flag to be removed. I’m not against criticism.
“A lot of Nigerians have called about my third term bid. They said, ‘Pinnick, we are building this country and you must be an integral part of it.’ But I said listen, ‘I love Nigeria but my family is key and number one’. Every time, I’m having issues, my family is tired.
“For now, I said ‘no’ and I still stand by it because you don’t want to go to a terrain where bitterness, hatred, and animosity are, for no reason other than the fact that it is Amaju Pinnick. If you ask any of the haters what has Pinnick done wrong; if they tell me today I will resign,” Pinnick said.