21/02/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
1. The Jalingo Metro Basketball (JAMB) League hereby formally dissociates itself, in its entirety, from Hon. Abubakar Tanko Yusuf as Chairman, Taraba State Basketball Association (TSBA) and also due to conduct and actions that are inconsistent with the values, unity, and developmental objectives of our League and the wider basketball community. It is also our sincere and considered opinion, based on our experience and engagement within the basketball ecosystem, that neither Hon. Abubakar Tanko Yusuf nor Mr. Buhari Aliyu Saleh has demonstrated the requisite technical knowledge of the game or the administrative capacity necessary for the effective management and development of basketball affairs in Taraba State.
2. For the past five years, the League has operated a peaceful, organized, and development-driven structure, free from division and undue external influence. Our funding model has always been modest, collective, and strategic, deliberately designed to prevent overbearing control or dominance by any single individual.
3. Although Hon. Yusuf offered to sponsor the League during Season 4, this arrangement unfortunately created misconceptions regarding ownership and control. The League has never been owned or controlled by any individual. Consequently, in Season 5, the League Management Committee withdrew from the sole sponsorship arrangement and reverted to its original independent funding structure in the best interest of fairness, sustainability, and transparency.
4. It is regrettable that subsequent actions and behaviors have disrupted the harmony and smooth operations of the League. Following careful review, the League has therefore withdrawn the participation and involvement of Mr. Abba Tanko and Ms. Serah Stanley from League activities and management structures, as their continued involvement has proven detrimental to operations and organizational stability. This decision has been taken solely in the interest of protecting basketball development in Taraba State.
5. Furthermore, the League has taken note of recent developments within the Taraba State Sports Development Commission (TSSDC) regarding the purported appointment of leadership for the Taraba State Basketball Association (TSBA).
6. After reviewing the law establishing the Commission, we find no clear provision granting the Commission’s Board Chairman the authority to appoint officers for independent sports associations. Even where such authority exists, the law vests that authority with the Executive Secretary and not the Board Chairman; due process, consultation, and stakeholder engagement are fundamental principles that must be respected.
7. It is important to state that TSBA duly adopted its Constitution in February 2022, conducted democratic elections, and has since operated with a fully constituted and functional executive structure comprising Local Government Chairmen, zonal representatives, and other recognized stakeholders. As such, TSBA remains an autonomous association governed strictly by its statutes and internal democratic processes.
8. For clarity, TSBA operates independently in the same manner as other recognized state sports bodies such as the Taraba State Lawn Tennis Association, Taraba State Football Association, and the Taraba State Badminton Association. These associations are guided by their respective constitutions and democratic systems and are not subject to unilateral appointments or external interference. Accordingly, TSBA should not be treated as an appendage of any government commission but rather as an autonomous partner in the collective development of sports within the State.
9. We also find it deeply concerning that three members of the purportedly newly constituted board appear to be engaged in conducts that has generated multiple complaints and credibility concerns within and outside the basketball community. There have been several reported cases alleging financial impropriety and failure to account for funds entrusted for basketball-related activities as well as related business interests. Additionally, during a previous League awards ceremony in Season 4, certain individuals (including a clergyman)organized a parallel awards activity within the same venue without the knowledge or approval of League Management, and without proper disclosure of the purpose, proceeds, or financial accountability of such activity. These actions undermine transparency, trust, and the governance standards that the League upholds. For these reasons, we reiterate that integrity, accountability, and due process remain non-negotiable principles in the administration of basketball in Taraba State.
10. Both the Honourable member, who is a legal practitioner, and the Chairman of the Commission ought to be fully conversant with Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of association. This right includes the liberty of associations to determine their governance, leadership structures, and internal statutes without unlawful interference. It is therefore troubling that those entrusted with upholding the law appear to be acting contrary to its clear provisions. We are aware that TSBA was deliberately registered as an independent association and duly issued a certificate to that effect. Nothing within the Constitution grants the Chairman of the Commission powers to determine or control the operations of TSBA. At the very least, proper administrative continuity and institutional respect would require that these facts have been reflected in the official handover notes of the former Director of Sports from the defunct Sports Council.
11. If the Commission Chairman wishes to claim the non-existence of the Association Executive Committee prior to his assumption of office, that argument is pedestrian, as we are in possession of documentation of correspondence TSBA has exchanged on behalf of JAMB League. Since the existence of the former Sports Council, these correspondences include over 20 letters sent to sponsors, banks, and the Sports Commission (formerly Sports Council), and at no point did the Director of Sports or the Commission Chairman raise any objections regarding the signatories of correspondence on behalf of TSBA. Additionally, JAMB League has issued awards to the Director of Sports, the Honourable member parading himself as Chairman, and a host of several dignitaries, all signed by the TSBA Chairman, and at no occasion were these documents contested. We view the actions of the Commission Chairman as hasty and ill-advised, seemingly motivated by personal scores to settle between individuals rather than the interest of basketball development.
12. While we recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership with government institutions to promote sports development, such cooperation must always respect the independence, governance structures, and constitutional frameworks of recognized associations.
13. In the spirit of sportsmanship and community development, the League has consistently built productive partnerships with reputable basketball development initiatives, including the Taraba Hurricanes, Ahmentors Basketball Academy through training camps and grassroots programs, as well as participation in the Odogwu Annual Basketball Competition, which has broadened our competitive exposure and strengthened links to national and international opportunities. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to structured growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable basketball development beyond local boundaries.
14. The JAMB League remains fully committed to the growth and development of basketball in Jalingo, Taraba State, and Nigeria at large. We will continue to work with individuals and organizations who contribute positively, selflessly, and transparently to the advancement of the game.
15. The League stands for service, teamwork, discipline, and integrity. It is not for sale, nor subject to personal control or influence. Anyone who wishes to be part of our story must be willing to contribute meaningfully and constructively to the development of basketball.
Signed
JAMB League Management
Jalingo Metro Basketball (JAMB) League
