The Abia State Government has waded into the crisis rocking the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, which has been plagued by factions and splinter groups.
The government also announced that the association’s activities and state of affairs would be audited, following allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability made by leaders of the different factions.
Governor Alex Otti made the decision on Thursday after a meeting with representatives of the factions at the Government House, Umuahia.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body representing farmers across the country, tasked with coordinating agricultural activities and providing a unified voice for the sector.
In recent years, AFAN has been plagued by internal leadership tussles at both the national and state levels, leading to multiple factions claiming legitimacy.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the meeting was convened to restore peace and unity in the apex farmers’ body.
“Seeing the crucial role that the farmers have to play, it becomes very critical for us as a government and also the ministry (Agriculture) in particular to make sure that all those who have a role to play in making sure that we have enough food in every state are united in that same purpose. That is why we have called you.
“As a government, we are not aligned to any faction. But we want to make sure that sanity prevails. It is only when you are united that you will be able to forge ahead to be able to align with the plans and programmes of this government”, he said.
Otti stressed that the government would not recognise any faction of AFAN until proper structures and accountability were restored.
“We have noticed that the association as is existing presently in Abia State is not being properly run. And as a responsible government, we have to take actions that will be able to address that kind of division,” he said, adding that the association’s affairs would be audited before fresh elections could be considered.
Factional leaders, including Mrs. Gift Ogbonna, Mr. Ndudirm Ikelua, and Lady Precious Uwaoma, narrated how they each emerged as chairpersons at different venues, accusing one another of fueling the crisis while pledging loyalty to different national factions.
Other members, including Chief Herbert Ogbonna, Mr. Dike Onyemaeze, and Mr. David Umeh, attributed the crisis to selfish leadership struggles and urged the government to intervene. They thanked Governor Otti for convening the meeting and pledged to abide by the government’s resolution.
Otti’s intervention signals the state government’s recognition of agriculture as a critical sector for food security and economic growth.
By ordering an audit of AFAN’s finances and activities, the administration aims to restore accountability and reposition the association for effective partnership with government agricultural programmes.
The outcome of this intervention is expected to determine whether AFAN in Abia can regain unity and credibility ahead of upcoming policy initiatives aimed at boosting food production and curbing rising prices.
