IMC Chairman, Okumagba Addresses Supporters Club Crisis, Vows Legal Action
By Saheed Afolabi
Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Group, Dr. Vincent Okumagba has addressed the growing discontent and allegations from a segment of the unified supporters’ body. He characterized the criticisms as pure jealousy and a deliberate attempt to impede progress.
Dr. Okumagba tackled the controversies surrounding the leadership and registration of the unified supporters’ body, which has the sanction of both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Okumagba emphasized that the attacks were nothing more than pure jealousy. He stated that he had already consulted his lawyers regarding identified libelous publications. He found it laughable that someone would claim financial engagement with corporate bodies when the club lacks legal registration.
Responding to speculation that he intends to impose himself as chairman of the new unified body, Okumagba dismissed these claims and clarified his stance. He asserted that he was not interested in the position, having been involved in supporters’ politics for a significant period.
He noted that some had criticized Dr. Rafiu Oladipo for his prolonged tenure, and it would be wrong for him to repeat the same mistake. Okumagba believes he has outgrown this phase, which is why he accepted the transitional IMC role.
Okumagba reaffirmed the IMC’s mandate, explaining that its sole purpose is to temporarily oversee the body’s affairs before transparent elections are conducted. The IMC is intended for a single tenure, with the goal of conducting fair elections and handing over to an elected executive.
He further criticized certain individuals for resisting change, identifying internal sabotage, lack of unity, and selfish interests as significant threats to the supporters’ movement. Okumagba believes some disgruntled elements do not want the IMC to succeed because they recognize that the unified group would become the only supporters’ body officially recognized by the NFF and NSC.
Okumagba explained that the process of the CAC registration is ongoing and aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed upon by all six affiliate groups. He refuted claims of forcing himself onto the Board of Trustees (BOT), clarifying that, according to the MOU, each group is to have a representative on the board, and he represents his own club like others do. He acknowledged their apprehension that he might emerge as BOT chairman, but stressed that this would be subject to the support of other members, and his appointment as IMC chairman was by consensus.
When asked if CAC registration would automatically nullify other groups, Okumagba clarified that it would not. However, only the unified body would be recognized by the NFF and NSC, meaning these two bodies would have no official dealings with other groups.
On fears that the IMC might exploit its position to influence the upcoming elections, Okumagba reassured stakeholders of a level playing field. He confirmed that while the IMC is responsible for organizing the elections, it has been agreed that no IMC member can contest in the current election cycle but can run in subsequent ones, ensuring fairness in the process.
He expressed satisfaction with reaching the pinnacle of supporters’ politics as IMC chairman, despite opposition and blackmail. He also highlighted his roles as Vice President of the African Football Supporters Association and Nigeria’s FIFA Fan Leader, which included an all-expenses-paid trip to the Qatar World Cup by FIFA. He urged those spreading falsehoods to stop, stating that he would not hesitate to seek legal redress if they continued.
