By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with the National Executive Committee (NEC) suspending its Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, over alleged financial misconduct and constitutional breaches.
The suspension, announced after an emergency NEC meeting in Kaduna, follows a petition alleging financial mismanagement and governance issues within the forum. The NEC has ordered a comprehensive forensic audit of ACF’s financial records, including its Endowment Fund, to investigate the allegations.
Dalhatu’s suspension stems from findings by the Ethics and Conduct Committee, which raised concerns about due process and financial administration. The committee’s report cited violations of ACF’s constitution, including interference in executive functions and irregular financial transactions.
The crisis has sparked tensions, with the police sealing off the ACF secretariat ahead of the NEC meeting. The forum has condemned the police action as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
Dalhatu had accused ACF’s Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, of refusing to vacate office after his tenure expired. However, Aliyu maintains his tenure remains valid, citing re-election in 2023.
The NEC has reaffirmed confidence in the National Working Committee, led by Mike Mamman Osuman, SAN, and retained Aliyu’s position pending constitutional review.
The suspension has raised concerns about the future of the influential northern socio-political organization. ACF plays a key role in articulating northern interests on national issues, including security, governance, and unity.
The crisis follows disagreements over tenure limits and leadership succession within the forum. Dalhatu had insisted that certain officials’ tenures had expired, sparking resistance from Aliyu and others.
The ACF has long been a prominent voice in Nigerian politics, advocating for northern interests. Its internal crisis has implications for regional politics and stability.
The forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, urged members to remain calm, emphasizing the NEC’s commitment to resolving issues constitutionally.
As the crisis unfolds, stakeholders await the outcome of the forensic audit and investigations into Dalhatu’s alleged misconduct.
The ACF’s future hangs in the balance, with its leadership and cohesion under scrutiny.
Editor-in-Chief Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
About The Author
