Abba Yola calls for fresh elections into NBBF board
Aformer chieftain of the defunct National Sports Commission, Alhaji Abba Yola has called on the minister of sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung to nullify the elections into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, and also order for fresh elections.
It will be recalled that two controversial elections into the board of the basketball federation held in Abuja and Kano with two individuals, Musa Kida and Tijjani Umar emerging as presidents.
While the minister of sports endorsed the election in Abuja even as it was said to have contravened the electoral guidelines, he approved the Abuja election but rejected the one in Kano.
In view of the crisis that ensued, FIBA has given Nigeria till November 30 to resolve the lingering dispute or face sanctions.
Consequently, Yola has said with the conclusion of the male and female AfroBasket championships which have been prosecuted by the Kida led faction, the minister should cancel the two elections and allow for a fresh one.
He said anything short of that would not help in bringing to an end the crisis which is not going to do the sport any good.
“Although I am not a lawyer, I know the issue of venue is fundamental to any election and blatant refusal to comply with election guidelines especially as it relates to venue cannot be overlooked under any circumstance. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
“The minister’s declaration as regards acceptance and rejection was uncalled for and that is why the country is facing this threat from FIBA. Mr. Minister must you wait till the deed is done or has somebody told you that FIBA can do no nothing?
“Declare the elections into both the Musa Kida and Tijjani Umar boards as null and void. Order for a new election and Keep a distance from its conduct, so that well-meaning and discerning Nigerians will not accuse you of influencing the outcome of the elections again,” he advised.