NBBF set for decisive extraordinary congress

Barring last-minute changes, the gladiators in the crisis that has dogged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for the better part of four years, will meet in Abuja on October 2 to decide ‘the way forward for the federation.

The NBBF has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis since the last federations’ elections midwifed by former Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung. This led to the emergence of two factions of the body, one led by Musa Kida and the other by former NBBF president, Tijjani Umar.

According to sources close to the factions, current Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, who has pledged to be fair to all stakeholders in the forthcoming elections, has ordered the NBBF to hold a congress, where they will agree on the constitution to be adopted for the polls, among other issues.

In a letter dated September 21, 2021, and sent out to the 36 states’ basketball association chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory by the NBBF Secretary, Mrs. Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, the Congress will take place at Hotel De Bentley, Utako, Abuja.

It said delegates are expected to arrive on Friday for the all-important Congress, which will ratify the date, venue and other details for the 2021 NBBF elections.

According to the statement, Kida, who is NBBF Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, for his role in ensuring a smooth electoral process and a peaceful post-electoral process.

“The virtual meeting recently presided over by the minister clearly shows his commitment to see an NBBF where all stakeholders will continue to work for the common interest of the game.

“Nigerian basketball has a very huge potential that if harnessed will create a system where millions can benefit from.”

Kida advised members of the press to always endeavour to ask relevant questions rather than running to the press with false information just to heat up the polity and distract stakeholders.

“The federation has no intention to conduct elections on October 2. The extraordinary Congress is different from the elective Congress because we are determined to follow due process in the interest of all.”