Peace continues to elude NBBF despite FIBA recognition of Kida

With FIBA recognition of Musa Kida as the authentic president of NBBF, many sports aficionados in Nigeria believe peace that has eluded the basketball family for over decade is back but on Thursday Stanely Gumut who is the Players’ Representative  issued a  statement which read in part,

“Our attention has been drawn to a letter, purportedly written by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA), acknowledging one Musa Kida as President, of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), at a said election that took place in Benin, Edo State, on January 31st.

“The said letter dated March 7th, 2022; also listed and congratulated some associates of Kida as duly elected officers of the NBBF.

“Having perused this phantom letter, as critical stakeholders of Nigerian Basketball,  laid it side by side with the undiluted facts of the NBBF elections of January 31st, 2022 which happened in Abuja, it has become pertinent and imperative to clear the air regarding the antics of some selfish desperate individuals who are hell bent on trading Nigeria for their personal gains; by attempting to bully and arm twist the Sports Ministry to do their bidding.”

Gamut claimed that the  selfish schemers “were betrayed by their desperation, to the extent that they forgot that FIBA in 2017 made it crystal clear in correspondence to the NBBF that its only means of communication with the federation is <[email protected]>.” 

“why did FIBA address the purported letter to Kida’s personal email?” Gamut queried 

The Player’s Representative said  FIBA has been part of the crisis bedeviling the NBBF since 2017, by supporting individuals who have over years escalated the leadership crisis  using FIBA and its agents to hold the sovereign state of Nigeria hostage.

, an action which Nigerian Basketball Players detest, and see as a slap on the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is the only recognized custodian of sports in Nigeria. In the discharge of its statutory duties, it started the process of reconstituting boards of sports federations, under its watch, and that included the NBBF.”

Meanwhile, FIBA in letter released by Kida said. “FIBA acknowledges receipt of the results of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Elective Congress held in Benin City on 31 January 2022. Accordingly, FIBA takes note of the election of the following persons to the NBBF Board for the following four (4) years.

“FIBA takes the opportunity to request your confirmation as to the remaining members of the NBBF Board as per article 21.2 (d) to (I) of the NBBF Constitution.

“FIBA congratulates all the elected members and looks forward to close collaboration in furtherance of the development of basketball in Nigeria.”