The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, for his unauthorized interference in the forum's financial affairs. This decision was announced in a communique issued after a NEC meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, chaired by Mamman Mike Osuman, in accordance with Sections 13(1)(a) and 131(b) of the ACF Constitution.
Findings of the Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee
The Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee (CCEC) reported to NEC that Alhaji Dalhatu had taken direct control over financial matters, despite lacking constitutional authority. Specifically, he unilaterally changed the domiciliation of the ACF's bank account. In a letter dated November 20, 2025, addressed to Jaiz Bank, Kano East, Zoo Road, Dalhatu instructed the transfer of the ACF account to Saliha Rabiu Garba of the Bello Road Branch, citing a desire to consolidate his relationship with the bank through her. Although the Secretary General, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, co-signed the letter, the CCEC noted that he was compelled to do so under duress.
Furthermore, it was deemed an aberration that Dalhatu signed as a signatory to the account, as the BOT Chairman is not constitutionally permitted to be a signatory. The CCEC emphasized that the ACF Constitution establishes a clear system for financial management to ensure transparency, accountability, and separation of powers. According to the constitution, all funds must be lodged in official accounts (Section 18(2)), the Secretary General serves as the accounting officer (Section 18(4)), the Treasurer is responsible for custody and disbursement (Section 13(5)), and NEC must submit budget proposals for BOT approval (Section 12(3)). These provisions grant no role to the BOT Chairman in fund administration, separating oversight from executive functions.
Recommendations and NEC Resolutions
Based on these violations, the CCEC recommended a vote of no confidence in Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and his suspension from ACF membership. Additionally, it called for an immediate comprehensive forensic audit of the forum's finances. The NEC unanimously accepted and adopted all recommendations, directing the NEC Chairman to implement them without delay. NEC stated that its action was further justified by Dalhatu's letter to Jaiz Bank, which revealed his unwholesome intentions.
Condemnation of Police Siege
NEC also addressed the unprecedented police siege and sealing of the ACF head office, condemning it in the strongest terms as an illegal and illogical assault on constitutional rights of groups and individuals in Northern Nigeria and beyond. NEC demanded the immediate and unconditional reversal of the siege, withdrawal of police agents, and disciplinary action against those responsible.
Support for Secretary General
Finally, NEC expressed solidarity with Secretary General Mallam Murtala Aliyu, urging him to remain in office until the end of his term in December 2026.
