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The Tijjani Umar led Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, has welcomed the decision of the Executive Committee of FIBA for a fresh election to settle the lingering leadership dispute of the federation based on the report of its 3-man fact-finding team which visited Nigeria recently and further notes as follows:
That after observing due process in line with the Fiba Statutes from which the NBBF Constitution was derived, the election held in Kano on June 12, 2017 should have been endorsed by Fiba;
However, as a body that respects the reconciliation effort of Fiba and having consistently identified a new election as the only way for a fair and equitable settlement of the dispute, we accept the directive of FIBA for a fresh election based on the NBBF Statutes and overseen by Fiba without interference from any third party;
That since Fiba has not recognized either of the elections held last June and pending the fresh election, we shall continue with our home leagues and other local activities including concluding the National Divisions 1 and 2 championships currently going on in Ilorin, Kwara State;
That after the conclusion of the National Divisions 1 and 2 Championships, the board will begin preparations for the commencement of its elite leagues, the Kwese Premier League and the Zenith Women's League;
We commend FIBA for accepting to oversee parts or the entirety of the new election process as it would forestall interference by any third party and ensure the independence of the NBBF as enshrined in the FIBA Statutes; and
6. We sincerely appreciate the advice,assistance and support of all stakeholders and appeal to them to remain vigilant.
Patrick Omorodion
NBBF Media Adviser
