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The president of the Interine Management Committee (BMI) of the Nigeria football group and other sports supporters, Dr. Vincent Okumagba, has responded to the growing discontent and the accusations of a section of members within the body of unified supporters, describing attacks as “pure jealousy” and a deliberate attempt to derail the progress.
In an exclusive interview by Canada, Dr. Okumagba addressed the controversies surrounding the leadership and registration of the Unified Supporters Agency, which was sanctioned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“It’s nothing more than pure jealousy,” Okumagba said. “I have consulted my lawyers to handle some defamatory publications that we have identified.
Responding to the speculations that he plans to impose himself as president of the new unified agency, Okumagba dismissed the statements and clarified his position.
“I am not interested, to be honest. I have been in the corridors of the politics of the supporters for so long. Some of us criticized Dr. Rafiu Oladipo for staying too long in office, so it would be a mistake for me to repeat the same. I think I have overcome this phase. That is why I accepted the paper of BM, which is transition,” he said.
Dr. Okumagba reaffirmed the mandate of the BMI, noting that it is only to supervise the issues of the body temporarily before the elections are held.
“The BMI is for a mandate. We will make a transparent choice and deliver to an elected executive. That is our goal.”
On the issue of corporate registration of the body of the new unified supporters with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Okumagba explained that the process is in progress and in line with the Memorandum of Understanding agreed by the six affiliated groups.
“It is false that I am forcing the Board of Trustees (Bot). According to the Mou, each group must have a representative at the Board. I represent my club as well as others.
He criticized certain people even more for resisting change, citing internal sabotage, lack of selfish unity and interest as great threats to the movement of supporters.
“Some unhappy elements do not want BMI to succeed because they know that the unified group would become the only body of followers recognize by the NFF and the NSC.”
When asked if the record with the CAC would automatically cancel out other groups, Okumagba was clear:
“No, he does not. But only the unified body will be recognized by the NFF and the NSC and these two bodies will not have official deals with them.”
For fear that BMI can exploit its position to influence the next elections, Okumagba reassured the interested parties of a leveling playing field.
“Yes, we must organize the elections, and there is fear that we have an improper advantage. But as agreed, no BMI member can compete now, but it can work in the subsequent electoral cycle. That is the equity that we have incorporated into the process.”
Concluding, Dr. Okumagba reaffirmed his commitment to transparent leadership while warning the detractors against the dissemination of erroneous information.
“I am satisfied with the increase in the pinnacle of the policy of the followers as president of BMI. Despite the opposition and blackmail, I have reached this point. I am also the vice president of the Association of African football summer and the leader of the FIFA fans of Nigeria, was in the World Cup in Qatar on a trip to all the expenses for FIFA.
“Those propagation of falsehoods should stop. If they do not, I will not hesitate to seek repair in court,” he warned.
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