Writing by Abdullahi Shettima;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, has called for renewed unity, discipline, and adherence to organizational protocols among members of the Forum as it prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in November this year.
Speaking at the BOT meeting held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the ACF headquarters in Kaduna, Alhaji Dalhatu emphasized the need for consistency and caution in public communication by officials of the Forum, especially in their dealings with the media.
He disclosed that the meeting, which was attended by all state chapter Chairmen, Secretaries, and Members of the Arewa Focus group, would deliberate on two key issues — the mode of communication by ACF officials and preparations for the upcoming Silver Jubilee celebration.
According to him, recent instances of contradictory public statements by some ACF officials at both national and state levels had made it necessary to establish firm communication protocols.
“The BOT has both the obligation and authority to determine and enforce such policies,” he said, noting that a draft document outlining the guidelines had already been prepared by the Secretariat.
Quoting the ACF Constitution, Alhaji Dalhatu reminded members that the BOT is vested with powers to give general advice, direction, and interpretation on all matters relating to the Forum’s objectives, and that its decisions are final and binding.
On the forthcoming Silver Jubilee, he announced that the event, scheduled for November 20–22, would focus on three major highlights: raising funds to build a befitting national headquarters, launching an endowment fund to support socio-economic initiatives in Northern Nigeria particularly the empowerment of women and youth , unveiling a series of books.
He commended the organizing committees for their dedication and urged members to attend the event in Kaduna in large numbers.
The ACF BOT Chairman also used the occasion to remind members of 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.
Alhaji Dalhatu expressed concern over the growing proliferation of parallel regional organizations in the North, warning that such fragmentation undermines unity.
He recalled that the ACF was founded in 2000 by Northern leaders, including former Presidents, Governors, Traditional rulers, and Intellectuals, to unify existing groups under one umbrella.
“Those forming splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back to ACF. There is enough room for everyone,” he stated.
He urged state chapters to intensify membership drives and establish local government branches with the support of the National headquarters.
On insecurity, the Wazirin Dutse commended members of the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency and banditry, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives.
Commenting on the recent crisis at the Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Dalhatu condemned the actions of what he described as “unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals” seeking to cripple the refinery.
He called on the Federal Government to act decisively, describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s economic stability.
He concluded by appreciating members of the Forum for their commitment and participation, both physically and virtually, in the meeting.
Cov/Abdullahi Shettima.
