NBBF crisis: NOC will begin dispute resolution soon – Gumel
As mandated by FIBA to ensure that peace returns to Nigerian basketball before November 30 , the Nigeria Olympics committee has expressed readiness to begin the process of dispute resolution between the Tijjani Umar and Musa Kida led boards.
FIBA through its General Secretary, Patrick Baumann, in a letter addressed to both parties said failure for an amicable resolution between Umar who was elected in Kano on June 12 and Kida in Abuja on June 13 will see it resort to wielding the big stick including sanctions.
However, Engineer Habu Gumel, the president of the NOC, which is the only body recognised by the international body to resolve the matter broke silence in Abuja stating that the process for the resolution of the dispute will soon commence even as the NOC was aware of the threat by FIBA.
He assured that that the NOC will not fold its arm and allow the world basketball body ban Nigeria.
Gumel who is also a member of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and not new to the dynamics of international statutes said he was aware of the sensitive task given to the NOC to resolve the matter.
“The NOC is mindful of the task given to it by the world basketball governing body, FIBA to wade into the internal wrangling in the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF). We will do everything possible to amicably resolve the impasse before the November 30, 2017 deadline.”