Rumbles over national sports federation elections, as Bayelsa cricket body petitions NSC

Rumbles over national sports federation elections, as Bayelsa cricket body petitions NSC

There is growing disquiet over the upcoming 2025 National Sports Federation Elections as the Bayelsa Cricket Association (BCA) has raised concerns over the adoption of what it called an illegal Consitution by the national federation, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).

In the light of this, BCA has gone on to forward a petition to the National Sports Commission (NSC), saying there is a calculated attempt to manipulate the forthcoming NCF Board elections in favour of certain individuals.

BCA argues that the move was intended to disenfranchise genuine stakeholders and aspirants and thereby stop them from participating in the electoral process.

The petition, with reference number BCA/BYSSC/CON/RT/001, was signed by BCA chairman Pakribo Telema-Daregoe, and addressed to Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NSC Chairman, with copies sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Habu Gumel.

The association expressed worry over the adoption of an illegal constitution by the Uyi Akpata-led NCF board for the upcoming elections.

The association stated that NCF, as an affiliate of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), has to adapt to the best practices in electoral matters.

"The NSC is responsible for developing sports policies and overseeing sports federations, as well as the supervision, regulation, control, coordination and promotion of sports at all levels, both locally and internationally, with the NCF falling under this jurisdiction.

"Therefore, elections for all sports federations have historically been conducted by the NSC in accordance with its established guidelines, rules and regulations, with the NCF falling under this jurisdiction.

"However, the ICC does not interfere in the internal administration of the game in its member-countries, and the NSC, which is vested with the power to develop sports policies and oversee sports federations, has this jurisdictional powers," the petition noted.

“It is crucial therefore to highlight with concern the underhand tactics being employed by Akpata in his unilateral decision to present a doctored Constitution as the basis for the forthcoming NCF board elections.

"This spurious document has failed all requisite tests of due constitutionality, transparency, probity, and acceptability by critical stakeholders within the Nigeria Cricket community," it stated.

The petitioners continued by stating that the Edo State Cricket Association had through Mr Akpata in July/August of 2021 petitioned the NOC to prevent then NCF President Yahaya Ukwenya from using the same Constitution which he (Akpata) is now attempting to impose upon the association for the forthcoming elections.

"The Constitution that was rejected in 2021 has suddenly become a prerequisite for the electoral process in 2025," they pointed out.

BCA then urged the NSC Chairman to use his position to halt the unilateral adoption of this Constitution and ensure fairness for all.

"The core value of cricket is respect for one another.

“What is central to the spirit of cricket is respect for one another, a principle held in high esteem.

"This principle has kept the cricket community as a united entity in our dealings, both on and off the pitch.

"We urge you to use your good office to stop this over-reaching ambition of one man who has climbed to the top over the bruised and battered backs of gullible and vulnerable supporters at his disposal," the BCA pleaded.

It has been reliably gathered that the NCF board elections are scheduled to take place on September 21 in Abuja.

"NSC should adhere to its guidelines previously released for the conduct of the NCF elections.

"Cricket is not an Olympic sport for us and therefore the NCF cannot conduct its board elections outside the NSC guidelines," a member of the cricket family who asked for anonymity noted.

"This is the only thing needed for peace to continue to reign in a sport that has so much capacity to bring joy to Nigerians," he added.