Leadership tussle rocks Nigerian Auctioneers Association

The Nigerian Auctioneers Association (NAA) is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with two rival claimants vying for the presidency and each citing court judgments to support their position.

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The duly elected and bona fide President of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association is Alhaji Musa Kurra. Kurra was duly elected at the last NAA National Delegates Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 28th October, 2023, for a period of four years.

Alhaji Musa Kurra, who claims to be the legitimately elected president, has publicly distanced the association from remarks attributed to Benjamin Isibor. Kurra described Isibor as an impostor, stating that media reports quoting him as president were misleading. In a statement, Kurra asserted his own position, noting he was elected at the NAA National Delegates Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023, for a four-year term. This election, he stated, followed a National Industrial Court order in Bauchi dated July 26, 2023, which mandated the NAA to conduct elections within three months.

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Therefore, any person parading himself in any other capacity is doing so illegally.

The Kurra-led faction further alleged that Isibor holds no executive office within the association and lacks recognition from any of its organs. "We further state that the individual quoted in the said publication is not an elected leader or executive member of the Association, and is not recognised by any organ of NAA," the statement read. The faction indicated that contempt proceedings are underway against Isibor at the National Industrial Court in Bauchi for allegedly usurping the presidential office.

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We further state that the individual quoted in the said publication is not an elected leader or executive member of the Association, and is not recognised by any organ of NAA.

Adding to the controversy, the Kurra faction defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) electronic auction platform. They commended the EFCC leadership for introducing reforms that they believe have enhanced transparency in the disposal of forfeited assets. "NAA acknowledges and commends the EFCC leadership under Barr. Ola Olukoyede for its consistent efforts in conducting public auctions in a transparent, accountable, and digitised manner through the e-auction platform," the statement added, highlighting the platform's design to eliminate sharp practices.

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By reason of the subsisting court order, contempt proceedings are currently ongoing against the said imposter at the National Industrial Court, Bauchi, for usurping the office of the President of NAA.