Court halts Mark D’Ball Basketball tourney
The 2016 edition of the annual Mark D’Ball Basketball tournament in Otukpo, Benue State, scheduled between December 26 and 31 has been suspended due largely to off the court political intrigues and power play in the area.
Convener of the championship, Igoche Mark, said the decision to put the annual sports and entertainment fiesta on hold was borne out of an order of interim injunction granted one Edwin Owoicho by the High Court of Benue State, sitting in Makurdi, on December 16, 2016, to stop the Mark Sports Foundation from staging the event, pending the determination of the motion before the court in January 16, 2017.
Though Mark said the reason for the order was yet to be ascertained, as law-abiding citizens, they are inclined to comply and allow the judicial process take its full course.
Though Mark said the reason for the order was yet to be ascertained, as law-abiding citizens, they are inclined to comply and allow the judicial process take its full course.
“We have no doubts that this shadowy Owoicho is mere front for certain interests, persons, agencies or government personages. However, We are adamant and unflinching in our convictions that sports remains a tool to check youth restiveness and involvement in vices. This has been one of the cardinal objectives of this tournament….this sinister action is unarguably a cruel dagger to the heart of the people of Benue State especially the youths and children who dream and look forward to this annual event,” he said.
Mark D’ Ball Basketball, an annual international sports showpiece has hitherto helped to put the sleeping town of Otukpo, the traditional and political headquarters of the Idomas, on the world basketball map, priding itself as the most sought-after holiday destination for sports and music-lovers in Nigeria and beyond during the week-long championship.
Mark said the tournament, sanctioned by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), is a non political, non-partisan and non-profit venture, sponsored by the former Senate president,Senator David Mark.
He said this year, star players like Ike Diogu, Tunji Awojobi and Ejike Ugboaja are among others were to hit Otukpo.
High School coaches from the USA, representatives of FIBA-Africa, NBBF and NBA were scheduled to grace this year’s edition.
High School coaches from the USA, representatives of FIBA-Africa, NBBF and NBA were scheduled to grace this year’s edition.
