AFN members dismiss alleged crisis, plot to impeach Okowa

[files] President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa

There is no crisis brewing in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), some members of the federation’s board have said. The members also dismissed reported plots to impeach the current president of the federation, Tonobok Okowa.

An online publication on Tuesday, entitled “AFN Congress gives board power to convene meetings,” suggested that some of the members were plotting against Okowa.

The publication said the plot, which started immediately after Okowa’s election as president of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region 2 in Ghana a few months ago, resurfaced last week immediately after he emerged as one of the vice presidents of CAA in Zambia.

It said the members were angry that Okowa did not carry them along when the U-18 and U-20 teams went to the African championships, where Nigeria finished second in Ndola.  

But a member of the board, Victor Okorie, dismissed the report, yesterday, saying that there is no impeachment plot against Okowa. However, Okorie, a former 400m hurdler, said: “As far as I know, no one wants to impeach him. But the Federation needs serious restructuring. That is what I can say.”

Last year, Okorie led Team Nigeria to a glorious outing at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, United States, where the duo of Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume won gold and silver medals respectively.

He said Nigeria is yet to settle him for the personal expenses he incurred by paying for hotel and feeding of some of the athletes.

“I was told to use my personal money and get refund later, but I am yet to get it. That does not mean I will turn against Okowa. I know he is working hard to ensure the athletes attend competitions,