Supporters Seek Govt. Clarification as Bauchi Sports Ministry Reconstitute Wikki Tourists Board
By Ahmed Ahmed
The organised football supporters in Bauchi State have called on the Bauchi State Government to urgently clarify the status of the Management Board of Wikki Tourists Football Club following conflicting public statements on the club’s leadership.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the supporters’ group, Muhammad Sani Inuwa,made available to journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi.
The supporters expressed concern over a recent announcement credited to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Adamu Babayo Gabarin, in which he reportedly approved the dissolution of the club’s Management Board.
The supporters argued that, under established government protocols and civil service rules, the authority to appoint or dissolve boards of government-owned institutions rests solely with the Executive Governor, not a commissioner.
They warned that the public communication by the Commissioner raises serious issues of due process, possible overreach of authority, and non-compliance with laid-down governance procedures.
According to the group, matters affecting a state-owned football club of such stature require clarity, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional and administrative rules to avoid misinformation and institutional embarrassment.
The supporters therefore urged the Bauchi State Government to clearly state the official position regarding the Wikki Tourists FC Board and to address what they described as an apparent breach of protocol.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in a separate press release signed by its Information Officer, Bashir Shehu, announced the disengagement of the club’s Management Board with immediate effect and the appointment of a new board to oversee the affairs of the team.
The Commissioner called on supporters to remain patient despite recent poor results, assuring them that measures are being taken to improve the club’s performance.
The newly announced Management Board is chaired by Salmanu Abubakar, with Ishaka Babamaji as Vice Chairman and Buhari Adamu Muhammed as Team Manager, alongside other members.
The Commissioner said the appointments were based on merit and proven performance in the sports sector.
Wikki Tourists FC remains a major sporting institution and a symbol of pride in Bauchi State, making clarity on its leadership a matter of public interest.
