The Bauchi State Referees Council has elected new officials to run its affairs for the next four years.

Muhammed Mato, electoral officer for the occasion on Saturday in Bauchi, said that all the 12 positions were filled unopposed.

He announced the new leaders as Kabiru Yusuf who is the new Chairman, Musa Musari as the Vice Chairman, and Bello Mohammed as the secretary.

In his post-election speech, the new Chairman expressed his determination to offer credible leadership, adding, “we will do everything possible to protect the interest of our members.”

He commended the electoral committee for conducting a free and fair election, urging members to join hands with the union to promote the council.

Yusuf said his leadership would be committed to initiate good programmes for the referees in order to better their lives and ensure quality service delivery in the sector.

He urged other stakeholders in the state to support sporting activities in order to reduce youths’ restiveness and improve mentorship programmes.

In a remark, Bashir Idris, Secretary of the state Football Association (FA), explained that “the importance of referees cannot be over-emphasised to the development of any game in the society.

“A referee is responsible for the general supervision of the game and has the final authority on all rulings and every match.

Idris called on referees to be just and fair while performing their duties in order to improve sporting activities in the state.

(NAN)