Ousman
Abou Wadda, Gambia National Olympic Committee treasurer, has clarified the
reason behind his re-election into the GNOC executive.
The
clarification was as a result of Lamin King Colley’s claim that he was not
eligible to stand for election into the executive because one has to be a
delegate in order to be nominated for a position.
Mr
Wadda quoted Article X of the GNOC constitution which states that, ‘the
officers and members of the Executive Board are elected for a four-year term of
office, and may be eligible for re-election, between the sessions of the
General Assembly’.
For
that reason, Mr Wadda said he was in the executive, which made him qualify to
secure the position.
Wadda,
who was first elected into the treasurer’s position in 2009, said King Colley
was “wrongly advised”.
He
stated that there is nowhere in the constitution that states that one must be a
delegate to hold any position, rather what he understand to be a delegate
function is to vote, which is stipulated in Article 1X.
He
further clarified that, apart from being in the last executive board he is
affiliated to golf as a member for the past four years, adding that he was also
nominated by sixteen associations out of twenty-one of the general assembly to
stand for the position ,which is an endorsement.
He
took time to advise all sports agents holding positions to deliver the service
for which they were elected, saying: “This will pay dividend tomorrow.”
He
also urged all to assist associations/athletes where necessary pending the
availability of funds.
He
assured all that,” we will see a lot of changes in the next four years as
legacy is about to emerge.
He
also commended election Chairman Elliot and his team for a job well done,
saying Mr Elliot dealt with all issues with patience, professionalism and
integrity.
He
went on to congratulate the newly elected executive headed by Dodou Capi Joof.
He
also congratulated Pa Alieu Jallow and Lamin King Colley for the way and manner
they conducted themselves.
He
concluded by urging the President-elect to welcome the two on board to work
together to continue developing sport in the country for the next four years.
