NiRA board rejects allegations as ‘false and misleading’, to address concerns at AGM

The Executive Board of Directors (EBOD) of the Association has dismissed circulating allegations against its leadership and governance as “unsubstantiated, misleading, and, in several respects, patently false”.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Board confirmed it had received recent communications containing serious claims but insisted they lacked credible evidence and due process.

“The Executive Board of Directors (EBOD) acknowledges receipt of the recent communications currently in circulation, which contain a number of serious allegations concerning the leadership and governance of the Association,” the statement read.

“At the outset, the EBOD firmly states that the claims presented in these communications are unsubstantiated, misleading, and, in several respects, patently false. Such assertions, when made without credible evidence and proper engagement with the appropriate governance structures, risk undermining the integrity, unity, and reputation of the Association.”

The Board reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to the Association’s constitution, stressing that it has not engaged in any actions detrimental to members or the organisation.

“The EBOD remains fully committed to upholding the Constitution of the Association and ensuring that all decisions and actions are conducted in strict accordance with its provisions, as well as established principles of transparency, accountability, and due process. At no point has the Board engaged in any activity intended to be detrimental to the Association or its members,” the statement added.

However, the EBOD said it would provide a comprehensive response to the allegations at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), describing it as the appropriate constitutional platform for addressing the issues in full.

“However, given the gravity of the issues raised, and in the interest of fairness, order, and institutional propriety, the EBOD has resolved that a comprehensive and formal response will be presented at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). This will provide the appropriate and constitutionally recognized platform for a thorough review of all matters raised.”

Members who have raised concerns were urged to follow due process by submitting verifiable evidence and engaging constructively at the AGM.

“Members who have made these allegations are therefore strongly encouraged to:
•⁠ ⁠Present any claims, concerns, or allegations through the proper channels;
•⁠ ⁠Submit verifiable evidence to support such claims; and
•⁠ ⁠Participate constructively in the deliberations at the AGM.”

The Board also made clear it would not engage in informal exchanges that could escalate tensions or spread misinformation.

“The EBOD will not be drawn into informal or fragmented exchanges that may further inflame tensions or propagate misinformation. The Board remains resolute in addressing these matters decisively, transparently, and within the framework of the Association’s governing instruments.”

It further called on members to act responsibly as the organisation navigates the dispute, particularly amid ongoing constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening NiRA’s standing among global country code top-level domain registries.

“We urge all members to exercise restraint, responsibility, and commitment to the collective interest of the Association as we navigate these matters, particularly with regards the ongoing constitution amendment aimed at putting NiRA on stronger footings to continue to standout in the league of ccTLDs.”

The statement was signed by the Association’s President, Adesola Akinsanya.