The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), following allegations of financial misconduct and breaches of the organisation's constitution. The decision came after a meeting held in Kaduna, where the NEC issued a communiqué announcing a vote of no confidence in Dalhatu and ordering a forensic audit of the Forum's finances. The suspension stems from claims that funds from the ACF's N1.4 billion Endowment Fund were transferred into accounts outside approved channels without proper authorisation. The NEC said the action followed recommendations by the Forum's Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee (CCEC), which investigated a petition against Dalhatu.
The communiqué, signed by National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, stated that the CCEC found the ACF constitution assigns financial management and executive authority to designated bodies, while the BOT is restricted to oversight functions. It accused Dalhatu of overstepping his constitutional role by allegedly interfering in financial administration and constituting committees without NEC approval. The NEC emphasized that the suspension was necessary to protect the integrity, unity, and accountability of the Forum. A forensic audit has been ordered to examine the financial activities under scrutiny.
Members of the NEC reported a security presence at the ACF headquarters ahead of the meeting, which they described as an attempt to disrupt proceedings. Despite this, the committee said it relocated and successfully held its session without interference. The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional order and transparency in all operations. No timeline was given for the completion of the audit or the lifting of the suspension.
Bashir Dalhatu led a body meant to uphold oversight, yet allegedly bypassed the very financial controls the ACF constitution mandates. While the N1.4 billion Endowment Fund was supposed to be managed through approved structures, the NEC claims funds were moved without authorisation. The irony lies in a trustee entrusted with guidance now facing charges of overreach and financial irregularity. If the audit confirms these actions, Dalhatu's position becomes untenable within the forum he was chosen to guide.
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