Gymnastics Founding Fathers Decry Undemocratic System in Nigeria.

Elder stakeholders and founding fathers of Gymnastics federation of Nigeria, {GFN) has condemned what they described as years of oppression and undemocratic system of administration in Nigeria and called for total overhaul and return of Democracy.

In a statement issued after a meeting in Abuja, the elder stakeholders led by Chief Obanor, the elders expressed deep concern, sadness and disappointment on the present day gymnastics sports in Nigeria.

They lamented over the disunity, intimidation and suppression that has been the order of the day in Nigeria Gymnastics over some years under the current administration.

They described the situation as “darkest years in the history of Nigerian Gymnastics, during which athletes were neglected, coaches abandoned and genuine development replaced with personal interests and political favours to the detriment of the sport.

They lamented that for eight painful years, they watched gymnastics sink into chaos and irrelevance sport.

“For eight painful years, we watched Gymnastics sink into chaos and irrelevance “Those
who build this sport from scratch have been pushed aside while athletes who once had hope have been left stranded.

“It is a shame.that the National Sports Commission(NSC), condoned this failure for so long”, Chief Obanor stated on behalf of the group.

Furthermore, the elder statemen noted that the NSC’s recent interference in the election process , including attempts to impose leadership through appointment and supporting a third term ambition, has further deepened the crisis.

“The NSC has failed in its duty to protect fairness and democracy in sports governance. Instead of upholding integrity, it has stood with impunity which is wrong. We cannot continue like this”, the elders lamented.

They described the planned suspension or manipulation of the zonal and National elections as a dangerous move that would destroy the last hope of credibility within the Federation.

“Gymnastics must return to its roots as sport built on fairness, discipline and equal opportunity. Every leader must
emerge through transparent elections , not through backdoor arrangements.
Nigeria is too enlightened for such an undemocratic process”, Chief Obanor said.

The elders concluded by praying for the restoration of peace, fairness and genuine leadership in Nigeria Gymnastics and urged the NSC to act with wisdom and conscience by allowing free, and fair election to hold as scheduled.

“We pray for the rebirth of gymnastics in Nigeria for unity , justice and leadership that will uplift the sport again.
Let this election be the beginning of a new down. history remember those who stood for truth when it mattered most.