KADUNA — The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum has suspended its Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, over allegations of financial and administrative misconduct, and ordered an immediate forensic audit of the organisation’s finances.
The far-reaching decision was taken at an emergency NEC meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, amid heightened tension within the influential northern socio-political group.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba, disclosed that the NEC also passed a vote of no confidence on Dalhatu, citing preliminary findings from the forum’s Ethics and Conduct Committee.
Baba said the suspension was not intended as punishment but as a necessary step to ensure a transparent and unhindered investigation into allegations contained in a petition against the BOT chairman.
“The NEC has approved the suspension of the BOT chairman and ordered an immediate forensic audit of all finances of the ACF, not just the endowment fund.
“This is to ensure accountability and recover any funds not properly utilised in line with the constitution of the forum,” he stated.
He revealed that the investigative committee uncovered indications of financial malfeasance and breaches of due process, adding that Dalhatu neither responded to queries nor appeared before the panel to defend himself.
Despite the unfolding developments, Baba insisted that the forum was not facing a leadership crisis, describing recent claims to the contrary as deliberate attempts to misrepresent the situation and undermine constitutional authority within the organisation.
He further disclosed that delegates from 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the meeting, which was moved to an alternative venue following the sealing of the ACF secretariat by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The forum condemned the action of the police in blocking access to its headquarters, describing it as unwarranted and a cause for concern.
Also speaking, Chairman of the ACF Ethics and Conduct Committee, Prof. Nuhu Jamo, said that the panel acted on a petition alleging serious misconduct against the BOT chairman.
According to him, Dalhatu was given 48 hours to respond to the allegations but failed to do so, compelling the committee to proceed with its investigation based on available evidence.
Jamo said the findings pointed to multiple violations of the ACF constitution, including interference in executive functions, irregular involvement in financial operations, and the inclusion of non-members in key decision-making processes.
“The committee observed clear violations of the constitutional provisions guiding the operations of the forum.
“In particular, the involvement of the BOT chairman in financial transactions and administrative decisions raised serious concerns,” he said.
He added that the planned forensic audit would ensure due process, enhance accountability, and facilitate the recovery of any misapplied funds.
The NEC also passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee led by ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, and reaffirmed the tenure of the Secretary-General in line with the organisation’s constitution, signalling an effort to stabilise the forum amid the crisis.
