The Katsina State Chapter of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged attempt to dissolve its duly elected executive committee and replace it with an appointed leadership.
This was contained in a situation report issued on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Katsina State Chapter of ACF, Alhaji Shehu Musa Malumfashi, following internal disputes within the organisation.
According to the report, the Katsina ACF Chapter was formally established in September 2021 and later conducted elections under the supervision of an interim committee, leading to the emergence of the current executive committee in line with the ACF constitution.
The leadership stated that the chapter initially faced challenges, including disputes over recognition and administrative control, but said these were eventually resolved, leading to formal recognition by the ACF National Body and acknowledgment by the Katsina State Government. The chapter also confirmed receiving support from traditional institutions, including the Emirs of Katsina and Daura.
The report further disclosed that the executive committee encountered operational difficulties relating to access to funds contributed by members and the use of an office space, which reportedly delayed activities of the forum. As a result, the leadership said it temporarily operated without a permanent office until office accommodation was later approved by the Emir of Katsina at the Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina.
However, the ACF Katsina leadership alleged that a new and more serious challenge has emerged, involving pressure from the National Vice Chairman of ACF, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida (Wazirin Katsina), to dissolve the existing executive committee and replace it with a new team reportedly headed by a former Deputy Governor of the state.
The Katsina ACF Executive Committee maintained that most members of the proposed leadership were neither financial members nor part of the congress that formed the chapter. It also expressed confidence that the Katsina State Government does not support the imposition of leadership on the forum, citing the government’s previous recognition of the elected officials.
The executive committee said it has written to the National Vice Chairman on two occasions seeking an amicable resolution but alleged that the efforts were unsuccessful.
The Katsina State Chapter of ACF stated that it has resolved to resist any attempt to destabilise the forum through lawful and constitutional means, while reaffirming its commitment to the objectives of the Arewa Consultative Forum and unity in Northern Nigeria.
