ACF NEC suspends BOT president and orders forensic audit into alleged wrongdoing

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended the Chairman of the Board of Directors (BOT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, for alleged financial and administrative misconduct, and ordered a full forensic audit of the organisation’s finances.

The decision followed an emergency meeting of the NEC held in Kaduna on Wednesday, according to the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba.

Baba, who briefed reporters shortly after the meeting, said the NEC had also approved a vote of no confidence on Dalhatu based on the preliminary findings of the forum’s Ethics and Conduct Committee.

He explained that the suspension was not punitive but was aimed at ensuring a transparent and unhindered investigation into allegations contained in a petition against the BOT president.

“The NEC approved the suspension of the BOT president and ordered an immediate forensic audit of all ACF finances, not just the endowment fund.

“This is to ensure accountability and recover any funds not properly utilized in line with the constitution of the forum,” Baba said.

He added that the commission found evidence suggesting financial wrongdoing and due process violations, noting that the BOT president did not answer questions or appear before the investigative commission.

Baba said the NEC reaffirmed that there was no leadership crisis at the forum, describing recent developments as attempts to misinterpret and usurp constitutional powers.

He disclosed that the meeting was attended by delegates from 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, which was moved to an alternative venue after the sealing of the ACF secretariat by security operatives.

According to him, the forum condemned the lockdown of its headquarters by Nigerian Police personnel, describing it as unjustified.

Baba said the forum remains committed to protecting its integrity and ensuring transparency in its operations.

Also speaking, the president of the ethics and conduct committee of the ACF, prof. Nuhu Jamo, said the committee 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 did not do so, forcing the committee to proceed with available evidence.

It noted that the findings revealed violations 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 commission found clear violations of the constitutional provisions that guide the functioning of the forum.

“In particular, the involvement of the BOT president 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 misused funds.

The NEC also approved a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee led by ACF President, Mamman Mike Osuman, and reaffirmed the mandate of the Secretary General in line with the constitution of the forum.