All is not well in the lotto industry in Nigeria as operators are accusing one of them Buruju Kashamu of underhands tactics.
They are accusing officials of the National Lotto Regulation Commission, NLRC, of alleged unholy alliance with Kashamu which they claimed is basterdising due process guiding the rules and regulations of the industry in Nigeria.
Members of the Lotto Operators Association of Nigeria said they are prepared to take every legal steps to stop both Senator Kashamu and his cohorts in the NLRC from perpetrating their illegalities.
The bone of contention is the ownership of the Ghana Games in Nigeria. Ghana Games have been introduced to Nigeria by major lotto operators in Nigeria.
According to them, just as the Ghana Games began popular acceptance in Nigeria, Kashamu appeared suddenly claiming exclusive ownership of the games. They claimed further that Kasahmu is gunning for the collection of 40% from each operator operating the Ghana games. They said their resistance led to a litigation initiated by Kashamu. The other operators also raised their legal team to counter him in court.
A total of 25 lotto operators were taken to court by Kashamu claiming exclusive ownership of the Ghana games from them while the NLRC is one of the respondents in the case. The case is ongoing in court.
They however expressed suprise that Kashamu suddenly introduced a bizarre twist to the story – he is seeking an out of court settlement with the NLRC thereby leaving the other operators in the lurch. The question on the lips of many is: why would Kashamu seek an out of court settlement in a case he is the plaintiff? Not a few, particularly members of the lotto operators association, suspected foul play.
Expressing the readiness to slug out with him in court, they queried: Why Kashamu is in hurry for a back door out of court settlement? The other lotto operators said they are determined to see to the conclusion of the case in court.
Already they have written a petition to the House of Representatives Committee on Gaming which has commenced full investigation into the matter. They have not stopped – they have also sent petitions to the Senate and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
The lotto operators are protesting the move by the NLRC to sign out of court agreement with Kashamu behind their back. This is very suspicious and inimical to the progress of other operators. Signing such agreement with him. There are claims and counter claims of money inducement among staff and management of the commission and Kashamu. The lotto operators have vowed not to waiver in their collective struggle to ensure that due process is not toy with by Kashamu and his cohorts in the NLRC.
