Nigerian boxing legend, Bash Ali, 57, was manhandled by policemen after
attempting to see the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi in Abuja on
Thursday June 6th.
According to the Nigerian Telegraph, the
boxer, who is seeking to become the oldest man to hold a world boxing
title defence, and wants to have his defence staged in Nigeria, jostled
to get an audience with President Jonathan, who was at the Abuja
National Stadium to inaugurate ‘Rhythm ‘N’ Play on Thursday. Ali
scuffled with the president’s aides, which got the attention of
Jonathan. After having been allowed to approach the president, and after
stating his mission, Jonathan directed that the boxer see the Minister
of Sports for further discussion on the matter.
Ali however
alleged that when he tried to see Abdullahi at a private luncheon held
with celebrities and a few others, he was manhandled by the minister’s
aides and denied audience with the minister.
“There is no respect in
this country for the people who should be respected,” Ali fumed. “How
can I, when all I am trying to do is lift up my country’s name, be
assaulted by a bunch of scoundrels all in the name of protecting their
master? I was already a world champion when they were in primary school.
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