Former Sports Minister Ndanusa Emerges NOC President
Former Sports Minister, Sani Ndanusa alongside other candidates that emerged victorious in the Nigerian Olympics Committee election, which was annulled polls by the International Olympic Committee last week, all won the fresh polls conducted yesterday.
While many expected a stiffer contest for positions into the executive board of the NOC, it was not the case as most of the candidates threw in the towel minutes before the election.
Habu Gumel, the man at the middle of the controversy, shocked everyone present when he announced that he had pulled out of the race and was ready to co-operate with his opponent, Ndanusa.
Before now, both men had been trying to outwit each other and gain the reins of power in the Committee.
While the Gumel board had earlier disqualified Ndanusa on allegations of “forged documents”, Gumel was also believed to have been forced out from the volleyball federation where he was the president by Ndanusa.
No victor, no vanquish
However, while speaking on his victory, Ndanusa said he has no grudge against anyone and that he is ready to work with any one that is wants to help the Olympics family move forward.
“This not the time to start trading words on who is right or wrong. I am happy for this opportunity given to me to serve as the president of the NOC. I hope to bring about more improvement in the fortunes of the body and move sports forward” he said. “What I see is a team, a team that is ready to put the events of the past behind us and work harmoniously and assiduously for the common good of sports in our country.”
Apart from Ndanusa, other members of the new executive board include Jonathan Nnaji, who returned as the 1st Vice President, while Solomon Ogba was returned unopposed as the 2nd Vice President and Tijani Umar as the 3rd Vice president.
Tunde Popola emerged as the Secretary General amassing 20 votes to defeat the incumbent Banji Oladapo who had 10 votes while John Hamakim emerged as Deputy Secretary-General after his opponent, Uche Nebedum withdrew.
Bappa Aliyu and Tony Ubani completed the list of the newly elected board as they were voted in as the treasurer and public relations officer respectively.
Mustpaha Berraf, the IOC representative, who supervised the elections, urged the participants to work together for the development of sports in the country
Related posts:
- NFF Case Adjourned Till Thursday
- Former NSA, Gusau Denies Betraying President Jonathan
- President Goodluck to Declare after Ramadan Fast
- Nigeria’s Minister of Special Duties Resigns
- President Goodluck Jonathan Swears in First Female Economic Adviser