From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned against the rising proliferation of northern groups with similar objectives, warning that such parallel formations threaten the unity and collective strength of the North.
Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, gave the warning during the Forum’s BOT meeting on Tuesday in Kaduna, which also had state chairmen, secretaries, and members of the Arewa100% Focus group in attendance.
Dalhatu said the forum was compelled to invite all state chapters to discuss two urgent matters, the need for a unified communication protocol among officials, and preparations for the ACF Silver Jubilee scheduled for November.
He lamented that contradictory statements by some national and state officials had caused confusion and threatened the Forum’s image, stressing that the BOT had both the obligation and authority to determine and enforce communication policies. “No doubt, the ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,” he stated.
Speaking on the upcoming Silver Jubilee, Dalhatu said the November 20–22 celebration in Kaduna would feature the launch of an endowment fund, books presentation, and fundraising for a befitting national headquarters that reflects the Forum’s history, culture, and aspirations.
He expressed appreciation to members of the organising committees and called on all ACF members to turn out en masse to celebrate the milestone, describing it as an opportunity to reposition the forum for greater relevance in northern and national affairs.
On politics, the ACF BOT chairman reminded members that the Forum remains a socio-cultural and non-partisan organisation. “Although members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organisation, ACF is politically neutral and will not support one party over another,” he said, urging officials to maintain neutrality ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dalhatu also cautioned against the “unhealthy proliferation” of northern associations with objectives similar to the ACF, recalling that in 2000, northern leaders, including former presidents, governors, traditional rulers, and intelligentsia—merged several groups to form a united Arewa Consultative Forum.
“In deference to the memory of these elder statesmen, northerners thinking of creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back within the ACF. There is enough room in the Forum to accommodate all northerners,” he urged.
He further directed state chapters to intensify membership drives and establish local government branches to strengthen grassroots presence and unity.
While commending security forces for their sacrifices against insurgency and banditry, Dalhatu prayed for the repose of fallen soldiers and urged continuous strategy reviews to minimize casualties.
The ACF BOT chairman also condemned alleged sabotage attempts against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing them as “unpatriotic and unacceptable.” He said those behind the disruptions were working against Nigeria’s economic progress and urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to protect the national asset.
Dalhatu concluded by thanking ACF members who attended the meeting both physically and virtually for their sacrifice and commitment to the organization’s ideals.
