The Northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has eased out its chairman, Gen. Ibrahim Haruna (rtd).
He was replaced by Alhaji Aliko Mohammed at yesterday’s rowdy session of the executive committee of the forum, which is widely regarded as the voice of the North.
But other top offocials, including Deputy Chairman Sardu Barda, Secretary General Musa Shehu and National Publicity Secretary Anthony Sani retained their positions, giving credence to the belief that Haruna was removed because of his failure to support zoning - the controversial power sharing policy of the peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He also reportedly supported President Goodluck Jonathan during the PDP primaries.
Sources said that the new leadership is made up mainly of "Babangida boys".
The meeting was said to have been rowdy as Gen. Haruna allegedly employed various tactics to ensure that the election that would have led to his ouster did not take place.
A source said: "When the former chairman saw that those who were bent on ensuring that his tenure was not renewed were many, and that if a proper election was conducted between him and Muhammed, he would be defeated, he quietly agreed to step down.
Another source said the invitation for the meeting was sent to a select group of people - apparently to ensure that those opposed to zoning and the pro-Jonathan group did not attend.
A copy of the invitation sent by text message, which was forwarded to The Nation last night, reads "good evening sir. This is to inform you that the leadership of NEC of ACF will be dissolved during the next NEC meeting of Wed. 23rd Feb, 2011.
"On the same day, new officers will be elected or appointed to replace those who have not performed credibtably in the last three years and those who have performed will be retained for the next tenure which is for three years only. I hope you will help mobilise our NEC members from your state to attend for obvious reasons. Good night rest".
The source said "they sent the invitation to a select group of people and that was well planned. When they came, they just read out a prepared list, giving no room for anyone to raise objection.
"The ACF was working well before this time. But I can assure you that Jonathan is in for a terrible four years as president if he wins the election and he will have to watch his back", the source said.
The ACF Secretary General refused to speak on the outcome of the meeting. He said: "you can see that I am already tensed up after the session we’ve just had. Just be patient with us till tomorrow (today) when the communiqué will be released. It is true that we’ve had an election, the result will be there too. So be patient, please".
The Nation
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