A former leader of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, Fadina, has dismissed claims that he has become “history” within the association, insisting that institutional legitimacy cannot be determined through media statements or political rhetoric.
Reacting to remarks credited to the National Publicity Secretary of ATPN, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Fadina described the statement against him as dramatic and misleading, warning against attempts to replace due process with propaganda.
He said although he would ordinarily have ignored the comments, the situation demanded clarification because silence could easily be interpreted as acceptance of false narratives surrounding the leadership dispute within the tourism body.
Fadina argued that history should not be viewed as an insult, stressing that every institution derives its strength and identity from those who contributed to its growth and credibility over the years.
According to him, his contributions to ATPN and Nigeria’s tourism sector remain part of the association’s institutional memory and cannot be erased by public attacks or sensational declarations.
He further stated that those who attempt to dismiss history often end up becoming mere footnotes in the long story of institutional development and leadership struggles.
The former ATPN figure expressed concern over what he described as premature attempts to announce outcomes in a matter that remains contentious and subject to legal scrutiny.
Drawing from legal principles, he maintained that no individual should act as judge in his own case, adding that unresolved issues within the association cannot be settled through press conferences and media campaigns.
Fadina said stakeholders in the tourism industry deserve transparency, facts, and constitutional order rather than emotional rhetoric and political dramatization designed to sway public opinion.
He insisted that no amount of publicity or repeated headlines could replace legitimacy, noting that lawful procedures and constitutional provisions remain the foundation for leadership recognition in professional associations.
The tourism stakeholder also faulted calls for members to recognise an “Acting President,” arguing that titles within professional bodies derive authority from due process and institutional approval, not from public pronouncements.
According to him, a microphone cannot substitute for a court order, just as a press statement cannot serve as a judicial pronouncement or confer legitimacy on disputed leadership arrangements.
Fadina further questioned why those claiming he was no longer relevant continued to devote significant public attention and media engagement to his person and role within the association.
He, however, urged members of ATPN, tourism operators, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the broader interests of the sector while all outstanding issues are resolved through lawful and institutional channels, insisting that truth, legitimacy, and history would ultimately prevail.