The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has firmly denied reports of a leadership change, urging its members to refrain from actions that could undermine the group's objectives and stability. Chairman Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN) addressed the alleged crisis, emphasizing that the purported change is entirely false and unconstitutional.
Statement from ACF Leadership
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, Osuman authorized the debunking of rumors regarding a leadership change. The statement called on members, the press, and the public to disregard the false announcements, which it described as null and void.
“The leadership of the Forum has neither authorized nor communicated any change. The announcement should be treated as null and void,” the statement read.
Constitutional Provisions
The ACF clarified that leadership approval is vested in the General Assembly, which has not been convened for any vacancy. Section 8(6) of the ACF Constitution empowers the Board of Trustees (BOT) to provide general advice, but not to order leadership changes. The power to set up operational committees lies with the National Executive Council (NEC) under Section 14.
“The purported Constitution Review Committee is unconstitutional. The Leadership Selection Committee is an ad hoc body created by NEC, which was dissolved after fulfilling its role in 2023,” the statement added.
Call for Peace
Professor Muhammad-Baba stressed that Mallam Murtala Aliyu remains Secretary General until a successor is chosen through due process. He regretted that the statement might suggest a crisis, but assured that the forum is aware of clandestine efforts to destabilize it.
“The Chairman assures members and supporters that the current leadership will protect the integrity of the ACF and resist any attempts to subvert its aims and objectives,” he concluded.
