Atuu Denounces Impostors, Reaffirms Kiliya-Led Auctioneers’ Leadership

The President of the Volunteers of Good Governance, Comrade Raphael Atuu, has denounced what he described as false claims by individuals allegedly impersonating the leadership of auctioneers in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Atuu said the group, including some importers, had been parading themselves as executives of the national auctioneering body without any legal or constitutional backing.

He maintained that the only duly recognised leadership of auctioneers in the country remains the executive council led by Alhaji Kiliya, whose tenure he said is “valid, subsisting, and backed by law.”

Atuu said the Kiliya-led leadership has won all legal disputes instituted against it, including cases at the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, adding that the courts consistently upheld its legitimacy.

He noted that the constitution of the association does not empower trustees to dissolve an elected executive or speak for the body, explaining that petitions are handled strictly by an internal committee established for that purpose.

Atuu accused the alleged impostors of damaging the reputation of duly elected officials by granting media interviews and circulating misleading information, warning that such actions were already affecting members’ businesses.

He also condemned what he termed a so-called media parley recently convened by an unidentified individual allegedly posing as president of the association, describing it as reckless and capable of sowing confusion in the industry.

According to him, only the association’s public relations officer is authorised to interface with the media on behalf of the National Association of Auctioneers, not trustees or any self-acclaimed officials.

Atuu urged security agencies, regulatory institutions and the judiciary to investigate the activities of the group and take appropriate action to protect the integrity of the profession.

He called on the public to disregard the circulating claims and relate only with the legally recognised leadership headed by Alhaji Kiliya.