The leadership crisis rocking the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) is over as major stakeholders have elected Francis Orbih as its new president.
It will be recalled Orbih who was a one-time president was picked as the chairman of the caretaker committee of the federation and was later sacked by the federal high court sitting in Abuja recently.
The court further barred the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and electoral committee not to conduct an election for the executive office of the federation pending the hearing and determination of a substantive suit before it.
However, on Thursday at the Federal Ministry of Sports, an election was held where Orbih polled 10 votes to emerge the winner and he will be assisted by Vice President Mr. Maina Mohammed.
The two candidates were later inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar.
He enjoined the new board to work together to move the game forward in the interest of the country.
“I am happy with the development and it is gratifying that the aggrieved stakeholders have addressed the issues of concern and have jointly discontinued the litigation at the Federal High Court,” he said.
On his part, newly elected president of the federation Francis Orbih expressed joy as peace is gradually returning to the federation.
“It’s a huge victory for the Badminton Federation, there is no victor and vanquish, Badminton is a game of Love and we are going to continue as one family”.
“It has been quite challenging looking at other sports that had their board inaugurated and who have taken off and running with activities for their various sports. So we felt like being left behind and nothing was going on. I can tell you that it is a massive relief for the badminton family to have their election today.”
Mr. Orbih further expressed optimism that the federation will regain its lost glory.
“We have lost some ground but we will come out better and stronger, we will reach out to all to lift the game of badminton”.
Other board members include; Mr. Lawal Yusuf Bello (North East), Engr. Shehu Sulyman Warah (North Central), Mrs. Solaja Catherine Obiageli (South East) Mr. Tangbe Felix Awala South-South), Grace Gabriel (Athletes Reps), Esther Gidado (NAWIS), Tunde Kazeem (NAPHER-SD), Alhaji Malik Anas Sponsor/Philanthropist / Ex-Offico, Etuku Tenimu (Technical Rep).
