The federal government on Wednesday in Abuja urged stakeholders in the Nigerian football family to remain calm and abide by a September 15 order of the Federal High Court.

The Nigeria Football Federation had scheduled Friday in Benin for the federation’s executive committee elections.

In a statement, Ismaila Abubakar, permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, said the ministry wanted the stakeholders “not to do anything, or take any further steps particularly, as regards the elections”.

He said the ministry was not oblivious of recent developments concerning the NFF elective congress scheduled for Friday.

“The ministry is also aware of the Federal High Court order, by Justice I.E. Ekwo on September 15, whereby the court had directed all parties, including NFF and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, to maintain status quo ante pending the final order of the court.”

The permanent secretary said the Minister of Youth and Sports Development office would abide by and obey the court order and advised all stakeholders to do the same.

“The Minister hereby advises all other Defendants in this case, including the NFF, to abide by order of court by not doing anything or taking any further step(s), particularly as regards NFF elections, which will be or could be interpreted to amount to disobedience to a lawful court order or contempt of court.”

Abubakar added that the ministry was studying all processes concerning the court case and would take appropriate steps or action to defend itself within the context of the country’s laws.

The court order was sequel to a move by the task force of the Professional Footballers of Nigeria (PFAN).

(NAN)