Don’t tamper with N3.88bn funds, NEC warns banks as ACF leadership crisis deepens

The leadership crisis rocking the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has taken a fresh twist, with the National Executive Committee (NEC) warning banks and individuals against tampering with the organisation’s funds estimated at N3.88 billion.

In a statement by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammad-Baba, the NEC warned that any financial institution or individual involved in the illegal handling or mismanagement of the Forum’s funds would face legal action.

Mohammad-Baba said the NEC regretted that the ACF’s funds remain in a bank where they were earning an interest rate of only eight percent, despite proposals from other financial institutions offering returns of up to 20 percent.

He said: “NEC strongly warns financial institutions and individuals against misplaced cupidity, illegalities and improprieties in the management of any of its funds.

“These financial entities should note that ACF will take all necessary steps to seek remedies against such actions.”

The ACF spokesman reassured members and the public that the forum remains committed to promoting and defending the interests of Northern Nigeria in accordance with its constitution.

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He said both the NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC) have continued to function without interruption while supporting ongoing efforts by northern elders to resolve what he described as lingering extra-constitutional issues affecting the forum.

Mohammad-Baba dismissed an advertorial published in three national newspapers, which purportedly conveyed decisions reached at an online meeting of ACF state chairmen and secretaries.

He maintained that no such organ exists under the ACF Constitution, which recognises only the patrons, general assembly, board of trustees, NEC and NWC as its statutory organs.

Meanwhile, an official of the other faction of the forum, Mallam Burka Zarma, faulted Mohammad-Baba’s position, urging him to refrain from questioning the participation of some northerners in the affairs of the ACF on the grounds that they are non-members.

Zarma recalled that when Mohammad-Baba was considered for appointment as the ACF national Publicity Secretary about two years ago, some members of the selection committee had objected, claiming he was not an active member of the Forum at the time.

He said the committee, nevertheless, approved his appointment because the ACF constitution recognises any Northerner as a member once he registers with the forum.

According to Zarma, the same constitutional provision that enabled Mohammad-Baba to become a member also qualified him to serve as the forum’s national publicity secretary.