Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, has urged members to uphold unity, discipline, and adherence to organizational rules as the Forum prepares for its Silver Jubilee in November.
Speaking at the BOT meeting held Tuesday at the ACF headquarters in Kaduna, Dalhatu stressed the need for consistency and caution in media engagements by Forum officials.
He said the meeting, attended by state chapter chairmen, secretaries and members of the Arewa Focus Group, focused on communication protocols and preparations for the Silver Jubilee.
“The BOT has both the obligation and authority to determine and enforce such policies,” he said, noting that a draft communication guideline had already been prepared.
Dalhatu reminded members that under the ACF Constitution, the BOT’s decisions on policy interpretation and direction are final and binding.
He announced that the Silver Jubilee, billed for November 20–22, will feature fundraising for a national headquarters, the launch of an endowment fund for women and youth empowerment, and the unveiling of commemorative books.
Dalhatu commended the organizing committees for their work and urged members to attend in large numbers.
ACF reaffirms non-partisanship
The BOT Chairman reaffirmed the Forum’s political neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Although members may belong to different political parties, ACF as an organization remains non-partisan and will not support one party over another,” he said.
Warns against Northern fragmentation
Dalhatu cautioned against the proliferation of parallel northern organizations, saying such divisions weaken regional unity.
“Those forming splinter groups should rethink their actions and return to ACF. There is enough room for everyone,” he said.
He directed state chapters to expand membership and establish local government branches with support from the national secretariat.
Dalhatu praised the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency and banditry, and prayed for the repose of fallen officers.
On the Dangote Refinery crisis, he condemned what he called “unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals” attempting to cripple the refinery.
Dalhatu thanked members for their commitment and participation, both physically and virtually, in the meeting.
