My Dear AFRALO Brothers and Sisters It is with regret I painfully write to inform you all of my decision to withdraw from the election for the position of AFRALO Chairman with immediate effect This decision was taken after reviewing all the intrigues and activities surrounding the process of this very election which I find very difficult to fathom with clear and good Conscience. The first objective of AFRALO Operating Principles is Article 4.1: “*to provide a forum and promote and encourage African Internet users’ participation and **involvement** in ICANN in an effective, open, accountable and transparent manner;* That overriding principle endeared me into applying to be a part of the AFRALO family in 2010 after qualifying to be sponsored as the First Fellow from Nigeria. The records of my involvement over the years in terms of active participation and involvement with AFRALO and ICANN in general is there for all to see. I have supported all successive leaders and have not been too ambitious to begin to struggle for office and positions within AFRALO. I could have still continued my involvement with ICANN without joining AFRALO just like one of the contestants for the AFRALO Chair has done over the years. But as a Pan Africanist I joined so as to collectively promote the AFRICAN AGENDA within ICANN for inclusive governance and participation. But this year after 13 years in AFRALO/ICANN I choose to join the race for the leadership and observed a clear deviation from the ICANN Byelawa and AFRALO ROP, with regards to a particular candidate not meeting the basic requirements to contest the position. I voiced my concerns officially to ICANN and the leadership of AFRALO in writing. Another leader Mr Oloyede did same and we were both ignored. At the last AFRALO meeting, this issue was brought up and the leadership of AFRALO dodged their responsibility by hiding under the guise that the AFRALO ROP was silent on the issues raised. I petitioned the OMBUDSMAN on May 5th and got his response May 8, and I was not surprised at his position which I quite agree with, vis a vis , that my complaint was does not fall under his purview but an issue for the leadership of AFRALO to address and deal with. The AFRALO Leadership was not bold enough to do this. The Ombudsman was magnanimous to even counsel that AFRALO can decide to review its ROP to prevent these type of lapses in the future. Everyone of us especially the leadership the leaders in AFRALO are aware that going by the rules and precedence Ms Hadia does not qualify to contest this election, but they have their interests and intrigues by allowing this infraction and favouritism It is in the light of the above reality that, I believe the best course of action for me is to withdraw from the race. This is to avoid legitimising a flawed process devoid of *an effective, open and transparent manner.* I cannot be counted amongst those supporting a wrong process. I remain committed to the goals and objectives of AFRALO AND ICANN. The Ghana General Assembly is an opportunity for all of us to demonstrate our genuine committed for AFRALO with a total overall of the ROP. I did move for this in South Africa but the leadership then frustrated that move. Ladies and gentlemen, it's not about Pastor Peters it's about AFRALO and ICANN. The leadership is yet to action my proposal that was adopted at the last AFRALO meeting on asking members to propose areas for review. I shall share mine with all of you soon. In conclusion, if Hadia is finally selected to become the next Afralo chair, I wish her and everyone that will support her well but leave you all to your Consciences. God bless AFRALO. God bless AFRICA Viva Africa!!! Yours for justice and equity. Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon Executive President Nurses Across the Borders International On Thu, 11 May 2023, 13:49 ICANN At-Large Staff, <staff@atlarge.icann.org> wrote:
****Please note, if you are sending an apology or dial-out request, please ONLY send to **staff@atlarge.icann.org <staff@atlarge.icann.org>** (do NOT reply to all) *****
Dear All,
Further to the doodle poll, the *AFRALO Meet the Candidates Call* is scheduled for* Thursday, 11 May 2023 at 18:00 UTC for 90 minutes. *
For other times: https://tinyurl.com/42xs467v
The agenda and call details are available at : https://community.icann.org/x/iIGCDg
Conference ID: EN 3535
FR 3535
*ZOOM LINK: **https://icann.zoom.us/j/94359804010?pwd=bjQ0TUwxelk0dzBWRzF5NS9VemlwQT09 <https://icann.zoom.us/j/94359804010?pwd=bjQ0TUwxelk0dzBWRzF5NS9VemlwQT09> * *Password: AFRA11MAY**
AFRALO Work space: *https://community.icann.org/x/25Mi* <https://community.icann.org/x/25Mi>
If you require a dial-out please contact At-Large staff at: *staff@atlarge.icann.org* [owa.icann.org] <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/owa.icann.org/owa/PolicyCalendar@icann.or...>
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
****************************************************************
Dear All,
Please complete the Doodle poll *as soon as possible* to help us schedule the * AFRALO Meet the Candidates call *for next week.
*Doodle*: https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/id/bDQAGKxd
I have enabled time zones so that it can be changed to your time zone.
*This** doodle **will close tomorrow Friday, 05 May.*
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Michelle DeSmyter