National
Basketball stakeholders knock Sports Minister over legitimacy of Kida-led NBBF board
Basketball stakeholders knock Sports Minister over legitimacy of Kida-led NBBF board
The “New Face of Basketball”, a group of basketball stakeholders, on Thursday expressed concern about the “subtle imposition” of Musa Kida as President of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The group told newsmen in Abuja that Kida has been imposed by Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, on Nigerian basketball, warning that the development “will do the sport no good”.
The group, represented by four members, added that the Minister’s action was illogical, irrational, unreasonable and a miscarriage of justice.
The reports gathered that the Nigerian basketball family, which had since 2017 been sharply divided, slid further into a state of disarray on Jan. 31.
This was when Igoche Mark, a former player, emerged the winner of a parallel board election in Abuja, just as Kida was returned winner of the other one in Benin.
The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had issued a directive that the NBBF election should hold in Abuja just like the other sports federations did in 2021.
But this was immediately countered by the Kida faction, which went on to hold another election.
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However, the Minister has gone on to pick Kida as the NBBF President after publicly acknowledging that two elections took place and would be disregarded.
Scambo Morrison, Chairman of Kaduna State Basketball Association, said his group had maintained silence on the development for the sake of a peaceful resolution.
He said his group was awaiting the amendment of the controversial NBBF Constitution as promised by the Minister.
“It is not news that the Minister of Youth and Sports Development indeed acknowledged that there were two elections.
“But our big surprise till today is that the minister and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development never came out to talk to us about their findings on those two elections.
“As good citizens of this country, we have remained very quiet, calm and disciplined, waiting to hear the outcome of the committee set up to look into those elections.
“But, till this day, nobody has called this particular faction to say anything to them concerning the elections.
“Instead, we now found out that there are a couple of people parading themselves as the ‘custodians of basketball’ in Nigeria,” the former national player said.
Morrison however added that his group had other options at their disposal in making their feelings known should the Minister failed to retrace his steps and do the right thing.
”We want the minister to know that we have options, if he fails to do the right thing,” he said, insisting his group only needed clarification on how Kida has now emerged the new NBBF president.
Kingsley Aigbonoga, the Director of Media, Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championships, acknowledged that the Kida-led board had purportedly initiated reconciliation.
But he said his group decided not to honour the invitation of the reconciliation committee because the process lacked merit.
“Our attention was drawn to a supposed reconciliation committee, whose moves failed the test of ethics and philosophy of genuine reconciliation.
“We acknowledge that Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) is appropriate at any stage of conflict. But this can only be done ethically by a neutral third party presiding over the dispute resolution.
“With due respect to the minister, we won’t subject ourselves to individuals whose tactics are to manipulate members of the public through mind coercion and thought-disruptive propaganda.
“The reconciliation committee in the first place lacks merit, sincerity of purpose by its constitution and the steps taken so far, and they are therefore unnecessary, and as such totally unacceptable to us.
“The fact that you decided to inaugurate a faction before the call for reconciliation betrays your desire to truly resolve the crisis, or a call for genuine reconciliation,” he said.
Also, Obande Ogbole, a basketball stakeholder, faulted the NBBF Constitution, describing it as a one-man affair.
He also said that the previoisly-held elections be cancelled and declared null and void so as to allow for fresh and more credible elections into the NBBF board.
“We totally reject the election that took place in Benin, even though we heard that it has been endorsed by the minister.
“Let it be known to Nigerians that we don’t see it as a legitimate election and for that reason, we call for fair and credible elections to be conducted for the NBBF.
“Secondly, and more important, we want the basketball constitution to be looked into properly. This constitution is what has divided the Nigerian basketball family.
“This piece of document that was constructed, written, presented, endorsed, checked and emailed by one man is just an individual’s property and Kida is the custodian of that constitution.
“He had it at his disposal and chose to release it when he deemed it fit to do so.
“So, we reject that constitution. We reject it in its entirety and refuse to accept it as our constitution.
“In summary, all we want is fair elections and the amendment of the NBBF constitution,” Ogbole added.
National
Federal Government Declares October 1st Public Holiday for Independence Day
…Minister of Interior Calls for Unity and Reflection on Nation’s Journey
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who conveyed the government’s message to Nigerians both at home and abroad, congratulating them on this significant occasion.
Tunji-Ojo praised the resilience and hard work of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. In line with the theme for the anniversary, he urged Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s past heroes and to be inspired for the challenges ahead, emphasizing that a united effort is crucial in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
The Minister extended his best wishes to all citizens for a Happy Independence Day and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their efforts toward nation-building.
National
APC Chairman Ganduje Condoles Families of 5 Fallen Police Officers, Offers Financial Support
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has extended his condolences to the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from Edo State.
Speaking at the Bichi Central Mosque, where prayers were offered for the deceased officers, Ganduje described the incident as a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, himself, and the nation as a whole.
To support the bereaved families, Ganduje announced a donation of N2 million to each of the five families of the deceased officers and N1 million to ten officers who were injured in the accident.
“I decided to personally come down to Bichi because of the gravity of the situation, and because these officers died in active service,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the officers’ dedication to their duty.
In addition, Rep. Kabir Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, also expressed his condolences to the families, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.
National
Kano, India Strengthen Ties for Socio-Economic Development
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with India to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.
In a statement released by the spokesperson for Governor Abba Yusuf, Alhaji Sanusi Tofa, on Friday, the governor emphasized the importance of the partnership during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri Balasubramanian, who paid a courtesy visit to Kano.
Governor Yusuf highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Kano State and India in areas such as education, health, agriculture, technology, and trade, underscoring the need to further solidify these connections for mutual benefit.
“We are impressed by India’s rapid development in the education and healthcare sectors, which has made it a preferred destination for hundreds of Kano indigenes seeking quality education and medical treatment,” Yusuf said.
He assured that the Kano State Government would continue collaborating with India to advance its two major power projects at Tiga and Challawa, aimed at reviving dormant industries and boosting the state’s socio-economic growth.
In response, High Commissioner Balasubramanian expressed his intention to work closely with the Kano State Government across various sectors. He also commended Governor Yusuf for implementing impactful projects and initiatives that have improved the living conditions of Kano residents.
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