FIBA gives NBBF November 30th deadline to resolve internal disputes

After a 43-day silence on the wrangling in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Basketball’s world governing body, FIBA has finally waded into action on the leadership tussle.

This follows the inauguration of two boards into the NBBF producing Tijani Umar and Ahmadu Musa Kida as presidents, with both having their elections on June 12 in Kano and June 13 in Abuja respectively.

In a letter signed by the Secretary General of FIBA, Patrick Baumann,  addressed to leaders of the two factions involved in the dispute, Tijjani Umar and Musa Kida the following declarations were made:

1. FIBA is not entirely satisfied that either election was carried out in accordance with the FIBA General Statues. Consequently, pursuant to Article 9.10 of the FIBA General Statutes, FIBA cannot recognize either election.
2. FIBA instructs the NBBF to resolve this current dispute internally, whether through new elections of (preferably) through an amicable solution under the auspices of the National Olympic Committee, before 30 November 2017.
3. In the event that a solution complying with the FIBA General Statutes is not found, the NBBF will be subject to the possibility of sanctions, including without limitation, a suspension of its membership with FIBA.
4. In the event that a solution is not found, regardless of any sanctions, FIBA will appoint a task force that will take any appropriate measure(s) in the interests of basketball in Nigeria.
5. FIBA will communicate, as of now and until 30 November 2017 solely with the persons named as board members on 13 June 2017 namely Mr Ahmadu Musa Kida as NBBF President and Mr Babatunde Ogunade as Vice President using nigeriabballinfo@yahoo.com for official correspondence
6. FIBA maintains that while this letter clarifies the line of communication between FIBA and its member and divisions, on one hand, and NBBF on the other, it shall not be understood as recognition by FIBA of the management elected on 13 June 2017.
7. FIBA will continue to study the allegations of state intervention and non-democratic elections at the NBBF.

The Nigeria Olympic President, Habu Gumel; FIBA Africa President, Hamane Niang; and FIBA Executive Director Africa, Alphonse Bile were all copied in the communication.