Fresh controversy has erupted over the proposed Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Congress scheduled to hold in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday, September 25, with stakeholders raising questions about the process through which the meeting was convened.

The concerns centre on alleged breaches of provisions of the NBBF’s 2019 Constitution, including the notice period for Congress, the procedure for convening the meeting, the conduct of board meetings and the participation of board members in the decision to summon the Congress. 

Those challenging the process are calling on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to intervene and ensure that the meeting complies with the federation’s governing constitution before delegates assemble in Yola.

According to the concerns raised, Article 20.2 of the NBBF Constitution provides for an Ordinary Congress to be held annually, as well as an Elective Congress in accordance with the prescribed electoral cycle.

Critics of the current process argue that the federation has gone about three years without holding a Congress, which they say raises questions about compliance with the constitutional requirement. 

Another major issue relates to Article 20.4, which reportedly requires at least 21 calendar days’ notice for an Ordinary Congress, together with the circulation of relevant reports, financial statements, budget and other prescribed documents.

Those questioning the Yola meeting contend that the notice was sent by email on September 10 for a September 25 meeting, and therefore did not meet the 21-day requirement.

Questions have also been raised over whether all the documents required under the Constitution were circulated to Congress members within the stipulated period. 

The dispute extends to Article 20.5, which governs the convening of an Extraordinary Congress. Critics are questioning the authority and procedure through which the Yola meeting was called and reportedly allege that only five of the federation’s 12 board members participated in the decision.

There are further questions over the frequency of NBBF board meetings. Article 21.9 reportedly requires the Board to meet at least four times each year, including at least one meeting in every quarter.

Stakeholders challenging the process allege that this requirement has not been consistently observed, thereby raising questions about decisions purportedly taken by the Board. These remain allegations that would require a response from the federation or documentary confirmation.

Another contentious issue is the reported exclusion of some members of the NBBF Board from the forthcoming Congress.

Those reportedly affected include Prof. Florence Adeyanju, NAWIS representative; Olumide Bamiduro, NAPHERD-SD representative; Adamu Deshi, North-East representative; Scot Nnaji, technical representative; Olumide Oyedeji, South-West representative; and Suraj Yusuf, North-West representative. 

The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of a much longer dispute over the federation’s governance and electoral process.

Earlier this year, more than two-thirds of NBBF Congress members petitioned FIBA, alleging constitutional violations and arguing that the previous board’s tenure had expired. The petitioners also cited the failure to hold annual Congresses and regular board meetings. 

The build-up to the current Congress has also generated concerns over the composition of the electoral college, with stakeholders previously alleging attempts to influence State Basketball Associations and, consequently, the delegates who would participate in the electoral process. Those claims have been disputed and should be distinguished from established facts. 

With the Yola meeting scheduled for Friday, attention is now on the NBBF and the NSC to clarify the status of the Congress, the procedure adopted in convening it and whether all constitutional requirements have been met.

The controversy has added another layer to the leadership crisis surrounding Nigerian basketball, with stakeholders seeking a transparent process that can produce an election broadly accepted by the basketball community and consistent with the NBBF Constitution.