NAN-S-11
Transparency
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, July 10, 2017 (NAN) Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), an Olympian, Isah Adam, has urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to make transparency its focal point.
Adam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that it was only through such that stakeholders would elect a candidate of their choice for the position.
NAN reports that the Petitions and Appeals Committee for the June 13 National Sports Federations Elections annulled the some of the elections following protest by some candidates.
He commended the sports authorities for their investigations following complaints by stakeholders at the June 13 elections and for cancelling such, describing it as foreseen development.
“I am impressed with the sports ministry decision on the protests that trailed the June 13 elections because many of us were not happy with the activities surrounding the results.
“Now that the elections have been rescheduled, we want a free and fair election, and the electoral umpires should verify and ensure that candidate’s data are in the list for the elections.
“Stakeholders will be happier with a transparent election, whereby a president is democratically elected because we want somebody that is grounded in the sport,’’ he said.
Isah, who lost 16 to18 votes to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, for the position of Athletes’ representative in the NTF board, said it was a flawless poll in spite of his defeat.
“I also lost to Chika in same election, but I accepted my faith because everything in the election was very clear and I embraced him and had a hand shake with him,’’ he added.
NAN reports that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organiser of the elections has fixed July 20 and July 21 for taekwondo, athletics, weightlifting and Rugby president’s election and inauguration in Abuja. (NAN)
MIL/DS/PDE
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(editing by Dauda Shehu/Peter Ejiofor)