AFN Crisis: Board Members Reject Ogba's Resignation, Threaten To Involve Anti-graft Agency For Investigation

AFN crisis: Board members turn down Ogba's resignation

By Sampson Adedeji

The crisis rocking the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN) is gradually getting to a new height as board member rejected the resignation of one of the member of the board.

AFN member, Solomon Ogba pull out of the federation on Monday citing various reasons and ministry interference for his action.

“Ogba should go and tell that to the Marines.When we hosted the African Junior Championships in 1997 in Ibadan, the IAAF gave AFN $90,000 to assist in the hosting of the championships. We know how this thing works and he shouldn’t come and be telling us cock and bull stories. The board is not interested in his resignation. We will go ahead with our investigation and will involve the anti-graft agencies if necessary,” said Brown Ebewele

Another board member, Dare Esan also picked holes in Ogba’s claims that the constitution of the AFN is not being followed and that the federal government is unduely interfering in the affairs of the federation.

"These are laughable claims really. Ogba should tell us who is not following the letters of the AFN constitution between Ibrahim Gusau, president of the federation who has turned himself into a sole administrator and the eight board members who demand justice, accountability and transparency.

“The AFN constitution Gusau imposed on members says a 60-day notice must be given before a congress of the federation is convened but what did he do, he called for one on November 5,2019 for December 4, 2019 in Awka, Anambra state. I think there is a difference between 29 days and 60 unless Mr Ogba says there is none. So, please ask Mr Ogba who has violated the federation’s constitution,” asked Esan .

Gusau signed a deal with sportswear manufacturer, PUMA without the knowledge and signature of the chief executive officer of the federation and somebody is saying he has done no wrong? Common, Mr Ogba, we are no fools.

"The incredible thing common to all these releases is that Gusau is still owing the athletes allowances. The athletes, 25 of them, are owed $300 each for Doha despite collecting N35m from government amid revelations that World Athletics paid for the travel and accommodation of all the athletes 100% and subsidised the accommodation of 14 officials by 55%; the youth and junior athletes have not been paid a dime as allowances while those who were in Asaba last year got less than $400 each for CAA’s flagship event."