Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-08 03:24:19
As preparations for the congress and elections of the Nigerian Archery Federation (NAF) are underway, the World Archery Federation (WAF) has issued a warning to NAF regarding the potential disenfranchisement of key stakeholders in the upcoming exercise. The warning from the WAF comes amidst allegations of a plot to change the venue of the congress in a way that would make it difficult for certain stakeholders to participate.
In a letter addressed to the NAF Secretary General by the Secretary General of the World Archery Federation, Tom Dielen, concerns were raised about potential violations of the NAF constitution and possible conflicts of interest that could impact the governance of the national federation. Specifically, the WAF highlighted concerns about the last-minute change in the venue of the general assembly, which could prevent some clubs from being present as originally planned.
According to the WAF, the change in venue violates specific articles of the NAF constitution that dictate the notice requirements and specifications for meetings. Additionally, the decision to allow a presidential candidate to cover the costs of the new venue raised concerns about conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the election process.
In light of these concerns, the WAF emphasized the importance of immediate clarification from NAF and threatened to not recognize the outcome of any election if proper explanations are not provided. The WAF also expressed hope that the issues raised can be resolved without undermining the governance of the federation and reiterated its commitment to upholding good governance principles.
The WAF also disclosed that they would be sending an observer to the upcoming general assembly of the NAFED to ensure transparency and compliance with the constitution. However, due to conflicting information and the late notice, the WAF acknowledged the challenges in assessing the situation and requested a report from their observer as soon as possible. They emphasized the critical importance of following the constitution and protecting the rights of Nigerian athletes in the electoral process.
Originally scheduled to take place in Lagos, the elective congress of the NAF has been marred by controversy and allegations of misconduct. The WAF’s intervention underscores their commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections within the national federation and upholding the integrity of the sport of archery in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the WAF’s warning to NAF serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and fair play in the electoral process. As the congress and elections draw near, it is imperative that all parties adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the constitution to ensure a smooth and credible transition of leadership within the Nigerian Archery Federation.
