A civil society group has demanded a transparent, inclusive, and credible transition process for the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). The Concerned Youth for the Promotion of Peace and Unity Initiative made this call at a world press conference in Abuja on Monday. The group expressed concerns over the ongoing transition process, citing controversies and alleged disregard for due process.
The group specifically raised concerns about the NBBF Congress held in Yola, Adamawa State, which it claimed was the first since the emergence of Engr. Musa Ahmadu Kida-led leadership. According to the group, this contravened provisions of the NBBF Constitution, which requires a congress before the one that would culminate in an election. The group also questioned the acceptance and ratification of the federation’s disputed financial statements at the congress.
The President of the group, Comr. Muhammed Salihu Ummaya, expressed worry about the aspiration of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, to lead the NBBF. This follows reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested Abdullahi in connection with an alleged N500 billion money laundering case. The group has petitioned the EFCC seeking clarification on the outcome of the investigation.
Ummaya stressed that the group’s intervention was not in support of any candidate but aimed to ensure the integrity of the process through which the federation’s next leadership would emerge. He emphasized that Nigerian basketball belongs to all stakeholders, including players, coaches, referees, club owners, state associations, athletes, administrators, technical officials, sponsors, and supporters.
Some aggrieved NBBF stakeholders have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged exclusion, marginalization, and disregard for due process in the federation’s affairs and transition process. The defendants, including Kida, the NBBF, and the National Sports Commission, have been served with the originating processes. The group has urged the outgoing NBBF leadership to exercise restraint while the matter is before the court.
The group called on the NBBF leadership to operate strictly within the federation’s constitution and applicable regulations, ensure legitimate stakeholders are not excluded from the transition process, and engage recognized stakeholders in good faith. They also urged the leadership to seek legal clarification where necessary to avoid actions that could expose individuals or institutions to allegations of contempt of court.
The group stands for three principles: “Let the rules speak. Let the delegates decide. Let Nigerian basketball move forward.” They called for an electoral process that would comply with the NBBF Constitution and relevant FIBA rules, saying the outcome should command the confidence of Nigerian basketball stakeholders and be recognized by relevant international authorities.
Key points
- The group demands a transparent, inclusive, and credible transition process for the NBBF leadership.
- The transition process has been marred by controversies and alleged disregard for due process.
- The group has petitioned the EFCC seeking clarification on the status of Mustapha Abdullahi, who is aspiring to lead the NBBF.
