Arewa Consultative Forum Suspends Chairman Over Misconduct

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum announced the suspension of Bashir Dalhatu, the Board of Trustees chairman, citing allegations of constitutional breaches and financial misconduct. The NEC's communiqué, issued after a meeting in Kaduna, accused Dalhatu of interfering with executive functions and managing the organization’s finances outside approved channels.

Allegations included attempts to stop meetings and unauthorized transfers of funds from the forum's accounts. The NEC convened a meeting attended by delegates from 18 northern states, where they discussed an interim report from the Ethics Committee, which found prima facie evidence of violations.

The NEC unanimously adopted recommendations for a forensic audit of the forum's finances and suspended Dalhatu pending the investigation. In contrast, the Board of Trustees rejected the suspension, labeling the NEC's actions as illegal and unconstituted, claiming that Dalhatu was being targeted by disgruntled members.