Nigerians blame Okagbare ban on racism and conspiracy
Most of them also believe that with prayers God will overturn the ban and she will be vindicated at the end.
By
Olukayode Thomas
Hundreds of Nigerians on social media are of the opinion that the 10 years ban placed on former Nigeria queen of sprints and jump Blessing Okagbare by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of the World Athletics was because she is black and conspiracy by her ‘enemies’ to pull her down.
On Friday AIU announced that Okagbare had been banned from athletics for a period of 10 years commencing July 30, 2021, for multiple breaches of World Athletics Anti-Doping rules.
Following a hearing at the AIU that found her to have taken both human growth hormone and EPO over an extended period, and to have failed to co-operate with the investigation.
The ban effectively ends her athletics career in disgrace.
Reacting to the ban on her verified Facebook page Okagbare wrote, “My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the AIU regarding its disciplinary panel decision. My lawyers are currently studying it for our next line of action which we will inform you soon.”
A few hours after the post, over three hundred people commented blaming her ban on the conspiracy by her enemies and racism, most of them also believe that with prayers God will overturn the ban and she will be vindicated at the end.
A friend of Okagbare on Facebook Edwin Igbinosun wrote,
“Very disappointing, it's one of the harshest judgments I have seen in the recent time for a first-time offender, I think it's harsh.”
Imafidon Ayemere wrote, “You shall be vindicated and suspension upturned at last. Stay positive.”
Sunny Olu was one of the few commentators that were honest with Okagbare, “Oh and by the way all the people telling you that they are praying for you and invoking the name of God on your behalf are just giving you false hope. They did their investigation, you were found in violation accept it, and move on. Don't play the game: denial, deny, deny until you can't anymore.”
But Fred Inanafe believes in divine intervention and that God will intervene on behalf of Okagbare, “God will see you through this period and we pray for strength to overcome this present phase of your career. We are also praying and believe that it ends for you in praise. Remain strong”
Kris Jones was also honest with the former athletics star, “Just accept it, you cheated you got banned and impeded an investigation which meant you got another five years added. People will have more respect for you if you came out and admitted your wrongdoing in this and then you can move forward.”
Reckon Steve wrote that the verdict is harsh and laced with discrimination,
“This verdict is so harsh and laced with discrimination. This will be followed up for fairness. I’m very sure the decision wouldn't have been so if you were white. They don't waste time in passing judgment on blacks, Kamila Valieva comes to mind.”
A prayer warrior quoted Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand: May the Lord be on your side as you fight every obstacle. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, no tongue shall rise against you in judgment. Stay encouraged”
Another friend wrote, “All these racists white won't stop, you are Our Queen come rain or shine, we love you notwithstanding, please be encouraged, you are cherished”.
Support for Okagbare will not shock Nigerians who by now are used to the majority of the populace supporting rogue politicians, leaders like Sheik Gumi supporting bandits, millions backing police officer Abba Kyari despite mammoth evidence of corrupt practices against him.
Okagbare is the latest disgraced Nigerian to enjoy the backing of the populace.
