By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has protested the sealing of its national headquarters in Kaduna by personnel of the Nigeria Police, describing the action as illegal and unjustified.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the ACF said the closure of its office occurred ahead of its scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting slated for Wednesday, May 6.

The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Prof. Tanko Muhammad Baba, said the police action was carried out “for no apparent reason.”

According to the forum, the only indication linked to the development was an unsigned circular allegedly attributed to the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT), Mr Bashir Dalhatu, claiming that the NEC meeting had been cancelled because it was convened by the Secretary General.

The ACF, however, rejected the claim, stating that it was not aware of any court order restricting its activities or functions.

It further clarified that the BOT chairman had no authority outside the provisions of Section 8 of the ACF Constitution.

“The meeting in question, as well as that of the National Working Committee (NWC) held earlier today, was convened by the Chairman of ACF, Mamman Osuman, in accordance with Section 20, Subsection 3, and Section 13, Subsection 3© of the constitution,” the statement said.

The forum emphasised that the meetings were called at the instance of its chairman and not the Secretary General, irrespective of ongoing debates concerning the latter’s tenure.

The ACF called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene by directing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to unseal its headquarters.

It noted that earlier meetings had been held without incident and that relevant security agencies, including the police, had been duly informed.

“There is absolutely no basis for sealing the office unless there are unstated motives,” the statement added.

The forum also disclosed that delegates had already arrived in Kaduna ahead of the NEC meeting, expressing hope that “rationality and good judgement will prevail.” (NAN)

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