Sports

Imo Cricket Chairman Disassociates From Alleged Petition Against NCF Elections

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of the Imo State Cricket Association, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu, has categorically distanced himself and the association from a controversial petition allegedly authored by one Pakribo Telema-Darego, who falsely claims to be the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Cricket Association.

The petition in question, reportedly addressed to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the National Assembly, alleges a plot to manipulate the forthcoming Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) board elections. It claims that the process is being orchestrated to favour certain individuals, thereby excluding legitimate stakeholders and aspirants from contesting.

The petition, allegedly signed by Pakribo Telema-Darego, claimed that four states—Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo—had jointly submitted a formal protest to the NSC. The complaint centers around the alleged adoption of an “illegal” constitution purportedly designed to give undue advantage to the incumbent NCF President, Uyi Akpata.

However, in a swift and clear rebuttal, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu disassociated himself and the Imo State Cricket Association from any such action.

In his statement, he said: “I, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu, the Chairman of the Imo State Cricket Association, disassociate myself from any written petition against the NSC or Uyi Akpata on the issue of an illegal constitution. This serves as a disclaimer to such petition. Thanks for understanding.”

In addition, when Reporter contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Musa Ehiozoje, confirmed that the only valid petition before the federation originated from the FCT Cricket Association, chaired by Engr. Emeka Onyeama.

He emphasized that no formal petition had been received from Bayelsa State and dismissed Pakribo Telema-Darego as an impostor with no official standing in the cricketing community.

Media reports published on Monday, 25th August 2025, further confirmed that only the FCT Cricket Association had officially submitted a petition to the NSC.

The reports also highlighted that the name of Bayelsa was falsely used by an unauthorized individual claiming to represent the state’s cricket association..

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Sports

LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Salifu Usman Receives SWAN Fellowship In Recognition Of Sports Development Efforts

Published

14 hours ago

November 2, 2025

The Gleamer

Salifu Abubakar Usman, Group Sports Editor of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, has been honoured with the Fellow of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award, in recognition of his exceptional support for the association, professional journalism, and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The esteemed accolade was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, held in Abuja, marking 60 years of excellence in sports journalism across the nation.

Upon receiving the award, Salifu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to further his lifelong dedication to sports reporting, promotion, and growth.

“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my family, and I believe it will encourage me further in sports reporting and sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.

Salifu highlighted that this recognition serves as a morale boost following decades of hard work and impactful contributions within Nigeria’s sports community and beyond.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration attracted prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts have significantly advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

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