ACF Trustees reject suspension claims, back Chairman, Dalhatu

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described the alleged suspension of its Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, as illegal and reckless, calling it the act of a minority group within the Forum.
In a public statement authorized by over 60 members, the BoT strongly condemned what it called a “tiny, disgruntled minority” that held an illegitimate meeting on May 6, 2026, and issued a press release filled with unfounded and malicious allegations against Dalhatu.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Executive Council of ACF lacks the authority whatsoever to make any legal pronouncement on the leadership of the Board of Trustees. It has no powers under our Constitution to appoint, suspend, or remove any member of the Board of Trustees, let alone its Chairman,” the statement read.
The BoT stated that these actions represent a dangerous act of indiscipline, gross insubordination, and a blatant attempt to undermine the Foundation of the Forum. It expressed regret that the Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Mike Mamman Osman, SAN, allowed the actions of former Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, whose tenure expired on March 10, 2026.
“All actions taken by the said former Secretary General after that date are null, void, and of no effect. He has since been placed under investigation for his conduct while in office,” the BoT declared.
According to the Trustees, a full investigation has been ordered into the circumstances surrounding what it called treachery designed to discredit the Forum and damage its reputation. “We wish to state categorically that there is no leadership crisis or power struggle in the Arewa Consultative Forum. What we are witnessing is nothing but the desperate and self-serving antics of a disgruntled former officer who refuses to vacate his seat after his tenure ended,” it added.
The BoT affirmed that the ACF remains united, resilient, and strong after 25 years of service to Northern Nigeria. It stated that the Forum will not be distracted from its mission to promote unity and advance the legitimate interests of Arewa, promising to pursue these goals with increased courage and dedication.
Regarding the ACF Endowment Fund, the Board assured the public that donations are securely stored in the bank and are out of reach of the Secretariat, the National Executive Committee, or the BoT. It disclosed that a high-level panel of experienced members has been appointed to oversee the implementation and management of the Endowment Fund Project.
The statement reaffirmed the BoT’s confidence and support for its Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu. “In the coming days, we will take strong measures that will address this needless crisis and re-establish discipline, peace, and order in this very important organization,” it said.
The statement was signed by members of the Board of Trustees, including Amb. Hassan Adamu, Wakilin Adamawa; General Muhammad Magoro, Galadiman Zuru; Alh. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Ajiyan Katagum; IGP (retired) MD Abubakar; former governors Abdullahi Adamu, Sule Lamido, Kabiru Gaya, Ibrahim Shekarau, Muktar Yero, Saminu Turaki, and Umar Almakura; General Tukur Y. Buratai; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN; and over 50 other prominent Northern leaders.