The Wayne Forde led ‘Team Integrity’ slate has condemned the attacks on its membership by former Nigel Hughes led ‘Team Unity’ member Odinga Lumumba following his resignation ahead of today’s GFF Electoral Congress.
The former PPP/C Presidential Advisor, in an official statement following his resignation from the Team Unity slate, accused the Forde camp of assassinating his character and contributions to the sport, which ultimately led to his decision to step down.
However, according to an official press release from the Forde camp: “Team Integrity notes with utter consternation and dismay the press release by Team Unity that makes specious allegations against three members of its slate.
“We categorically deny, and roundly condemn Mr. Odinga Lumumba’s assertion that we embarked on a smear campaign against him or any other member of Team Unity’s slate.
“At no time in our campaign have we resorted to muckraking or ad hominem tactics. On the contrary, we have sought to steadfastly advance our plans and programmes, anchored to the view that at the end of the elections process, as victors, we will be duty bound to adopt an inclusive “all hands on deck” approach in marshaling talents, knowledge and skills to elevate Guyana’s football, “the release stated.
“It therefore would not have served our purpose to denigrate anyone. We call on the public and football fraternity to see Lumumba’s actions for what it really is – a carefully orchestrated ploy employed a mere two days before the Congress to beguile,” the release added.
“Asserting that he asked the Chairman of the Normalisation Committee to adjust Team Unity’s slate to “reflect that (he is) no longer running for the position of First Vice President,” is but a smokescreen as the slates have already been submitted.
“Unless he withdraws completely from it, he still remains an integral component. The primary reason for this manoeuvre is that Team Unity, no doubt chastened by the raft of negative comments about its slate, has deemed it necessary to give the appearance of jettisoning Lumumba.
“The elections campaign has been conducted in an orderly, respectful and civil manner by both slates. Then this release! It therefore begs the question why? The ineluctable conclusion is Team Unity is seeking to whip up hysteria in an attempt to garner votes.
“Team Integrity calls on the football fraternity not to be distracted or deceived. Your task is to examine the respective slates and their plans and programmes to determine which has the integrity and trustworthiness to advance the footballing interests of this nation,” the release concluded.
