By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-02-03 03:54:54
Seigha Porbeni, a member of the Technical Committee of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has expressed his confidence in the transparency of the federation’s President, Tonobok Okowa, particularly in relation to its financial records. Porbeni, who also serves as the Special Adviser to Okowa at the Delta Sports Commission, stated that he is certain that Okowa has nothing to hide when it comes to the federation’s financial matters.
His statement comes in response to the controversy surrounding the federation’s financial transactions, which led to the formation of a five-man committee to investigate the AFN’s finances. The panel’s report raised questions about certain financial transactions made by AFN Secretary General, Mrs. Rita Moshindi. However, there were objections to the panel’s findings, particularly regarding the refund of N40 million, which Okowa had lent to the federation for organizing various competitions.
Porbeni had previously criticized the audit panel’s report, dismissing it as a “big distraction.” He expressed concerns about the impact of the controversy on the funding of AFN’s programs for the 2024 season and called for a resolution to prevent further distractions and suffering for the athletes and coaches.
In a letter dated January 31, 2024, addressed to the Sports Minister, John Enoh, Porbeni, in his capacity as the National Head Coach of the AFN, and as a stakeholder in the federation, recommended the appointment of external auditors to review the report of the internal audit committee. He emphasized the need to take necessary steps to bring about lasting peace and address the ongoing controversy.
Porbeni’s decision to write to the Sports Minister sparked surprise among the athletics community, but he clarified his motives in an interview with The Guardian. He reiterated his support for the appointment of external auditors, citing Okowa’s annual experience with external audits at the Delta Sports Commission and his own confidence in Okowa’s transparency.
He stated, “If this would bring lasting peace, why not? The President (Okowa) goes through that annually in Delta Sports Commission, and as his Special Adviser (SA), I can beat my chest that he has nothing to hide when challenged.”
Porbeni’s unwavering confidence in Okowa’s transparency and his efforts to seek a resolution to the ongoing controversy demonstrate his commitment to ensuring accountability and integrity within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. His advocacy for the appointment of external auditors reflects his commitment to transparency and his desire to bring about a lasting solution to the issues plaguing the federation. These efforts are crucial in restoring trust and confidence within the athletics community and ensuring that the AFN operates with the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency.
