Athletics Federation of Nigeria members are trickling into Abuja for Thursday’s emergency congress where the federation seeks to review its constitution and also take decisions that will move the sport forward.
Though the president Tonobok Okowa and his first vice president Tafida Gadzama are at opposing ends concerning the congress, a good number will make the trip to Abuja where the first of the three Golden League meets will be held.
“It’s our first major meet of the season…and the president thought it would be good to use the opportunity to host the emergency congress,” said an AFN board member
“Personally I don’t understand why the first vice president is opposing the emergency congress. I understand they have even gone to the extent of writing the World Athletics saying that the Secretary-general and the president are violating the AFN constitution by calling the congress.
“But the secretary-general was able to explain the situation to the WA. The president has powers to summon the emergency congress, as required by the constitution. It is only an extra-ordinary congress that requires 16 days notice, while the annual general congress is 60 days.
“There is no constitution that is perfect and so we keep working on it to make things better for our sport.”
He urged members to close ranks and work for the good of the sport rather than bicker over mundade issues.
Meanwhile former 400m runner and Olympian Gadzama in chat insisted that the congress is unconstitutional and will not be attending.
“I will not be part of an illegal congress as I will be heading to CAS to challenge it.
“It is only in Nigeria money buys justice, we will continue to fight until the right things are done,” Gadzama said.
