NPL election: Why I didn’t go to court – Lumumba

Lumumba was one of those who picked and submitted his form to contest for the Chairmanship position of the NPL board but was disqualified by the electoral committee headed by Chief Tony Rofua. The election eventually could not hold due to court injunctions obtained by former member of the board, Nnaji and former NRA president, […]

Lumumba was one of those who picked and submitted his form to contest for the Chairmanship position of the NPL board but was disqualified by the electoral committee headed by Chief Tony Rofua.

The election eventually could not hold due to court injunctions obtained by former member of the board, Nnaji and former NRA president, Dr. Jaja who were disqualified by the committee.

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the former member of the House of Representatives said although he was tempted to head to court just like his fellow aspirants, he had to restrain himself because he was deeply convinced that everything will go back to square one.

He explained that when he sat down and reviewed the manner in which the committee was going about its activities, he had no iota of doubt in his mind that the process will not see the light of day.

Lumumba said: “I decided not to go to court because I had no doubt in my mind that everything will go back to square. Everything will start all over as there is no way stakeholders would fold their arms and allow few persons decide who should or should not be on the board”.

He said even as he did not go to court, God has raised other concerned stakeholders who went to court and are certain to get justice.

“The mistake most people make is that individuals have a right to go to any court of their choice and nobody will go to where he or she will be denied justice. It will be foolish of me to take my case to where I certain I will not get fair hearing. Yes, there is court of arbitration on sports but are you sure the aggrieved parties would have gotten the justice they desired?” he asked

According to him, when a new electoral committee which will ensure fairness is constituted, he would not mind joining the race for NPL Chairmanship.

Lumumba maintained that if the Nigerian football league is to move forward, there should be no unnecessary impediments in the path of those who genuinely want to make positive contributions.