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A petition alleging fraud has moved the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to suspend its Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, over alleged financial and administrative misconduct.
The NEC also ordered a comprehensive forensic audit of the organisation’s finances.
The decision followed an emergency NEC meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, according to the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba.
Baba, who briefed newsmen shortly after the meeting, said the NEC also passed a vote of no confidence on Dalhatu based on preliminary findings by the forum’s Ethics and Conduct Committee.
He explained that the suspension was not punitive but aimed at ensuring 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,” Baba said.
He added that the committee found evidence suggesting financial malfeasance and violations of due process, noting that the BOT chairman failed to respond to queries or appear before the investigative panel.
Baba said the NEC reaffirmed that there was no leadership crisis in the forum, describing recent developments as attempts to misinterpret and usurp constitutional powers.
He disclosed that delegates from 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the meeting, which was relocated to an alternative venue following the sealing of the ACF secretariat by security operatives.
According to him, the forum condemned the blockade of its headquarters by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as unwarranted.
Baba said the forum remained committed to protecting its integrity and ensuring transparency in its operations.
Also speaking, Chairman of the ACF Ethics and Conduct Committee, Prof. Nuhu Jamo, said the panel acted on a petition alleging serious misconduct against the BOT chairman.
Jamo said the committee gave Dalhatu 48 hours to respond to the allegations, but he failed to do so, forcing the panel to proceed with available evidence.
He noted that findings revealed breaches of the ACF constitution, including interference in executive functions, irregular involvement in financial operations, and the inclusion of non-members in 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.
Jamo added that the recommended forensic audit would ensure due process, accountability, and recovery of any misapplied funds.
The NEC also passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee led by the ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, and reaffirmed the tenure of the Secretary-General in line with the forum’s constitution. (NAN)
