By Amedu Abalaka
Abuja, Oct. 22, 2024 – All AthIetics Stakeholders have been notified to boycott the proposed AthIetics competition organised by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and scheduled to commence today, October 22, 2024 at the Pantami Stadium.
This is according to a statement by Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
The statement reads “All AthIetics Stakeholders are hereby notified that on no account should any AthIete, NAATO officials participate in the proposed AthIetics competition organised by NEDC and scheduled to commence today, October 22, 2024 at the Pantami Stadium.
“It’s cogent to note that AthIetics World-wide have rules of engagement which all stakeholders must obey, therefore, not meeting these rules by the organisers, the Gombe State Athletics Association has decided to exit from the competition in accordance to the rules of the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and by extension the World AthIetics,” Gara Gombe said.
He said part of the reasons Gombe AthIetics Association was boycotting the competition were as follows:
“The competition is below AthIetics standards both in procurement of running facilities and medical and insurance requirements.
“Organisers of the competition are largely unknown to leaders of Gombe State Athletics Association as Facilities for the competition are either sub-standard or none existant.
“All NAATO officials were not Formally/Officially invited for the competition,” Gara Gombe said.
Gara Gombe stressed that Gombe AthIetics Association (GAA) leadership cannot tolerate under its watch for Athletes and Athletics to be ridiculed or shamed by ignorant state machineries.
In the same breath, the GAA leadership has directed its officials not to participate in the event.
It said failure to heed to the instructions would attract severe sanctions in accordance with the ethics of Nigeria Athletics Association of Technical Officiating Officials (NAATO).
“Also, any athlete registered would risk sanctions and more penalties.
“The Gombe State Athletics Association hierachy therefore urge members to synegise with the State Athletics Association for growth and talent discovery,” the statement said.
