The crisis within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has deepened as the National Executive Committee (NEC) provided further details on the suspension of the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu. In a communique issued after its meeting in Kaduna, the NEC accused Dalhatu of diverting funds and violating the forum's constitution.
Allegations of Fund Diversion
The NEC stated that the decision to suspend Dalhatu followed the adoption of recommendations from the ACF's Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee (CCEC), which investigated a petition against him. According to the communique signed by National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, funds from the forum's N1.4 billion Endowment Fund were allegedly moved into accounts outside approved financial structures without proper authorization. The BoT chairman was also accused of exceeding his constitutional role by interfering in financial administration and constituting committees without NEC approval.
Forensic Audit Ordered
The NEC passed a vote of no confidence in Dalhatu and ordered a forensic audit of the forum's finances. The communique emphasized that the ACF constitution vests financial management and executive authority in designated organs, while the BoT is limited to oversight functions. The NEC stressed that its actions were necessary to protect the integrity, unity, and accountability of the forum pending the outcome of investigations and the audit.
Security Disruption Attempt
The meeting was held despite reports of armed police sealing the ACF secretariat in Kaduna. The NEC described this as an attempt to disrupt proceedings but noted that members successfully relocated to a secure location and held the meeting without interruption. The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding constitutional order and ensuring transparency in all ACF activities.
