The Abia State Government has stepped into the ongoing crises within the Abia chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), which has been plagued by factionalism and internal disputes. The government has announced that the association’s activities and affairs will undergo a full audit to address allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability raised by leaders of the various factions.
The decision was taken on Thursday following a crucial meeting at Government House, Umuahia, attended by representatives of the different AFAN factions. The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, stated that the meeting was convened to ensure peace, unity, and harmony among those responsible for providing food for the state’s population.
“Seeing the crucial role that farmers play, it becomes critical for us as a government and for the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that all stakeholders are united in purpose,” Pastor Ajagba said. He stressed that the government is not aligned with any faction but is committed to restoring sanity and proper structure to the association.
Governor Alex Otti noted that the current state of the association in Abia is poorly managed, leading to divisions and factionalism. “As a responsible government, we must take action to address this division. Accountability has been a major problem, and the activities of the association will be audited to ensure proper governance. No faction will be recognized until the state of affairs is clarified, after which elections will be conducted for interested members,” Governor Otti said.
Leaders of the various AFAN factions in Abia, including Mrs. Gift Ogbonna, Mr. Ndudirm Ikelua, and Lady Precious Uwaoma, recounted how they each emerged as State Chairman in different locations, while some members blamed selfish ambitions for the ongoing crises. Members, including Chief Herbert Ogbonna, Mr. Dike Onyemaeze, and Mr. David Umeh, appealed for government intervention, commending Governor Otti for convening the meeting and pledging to abide by the government’s decisions.
The meeting was attended by top state officials, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prince Chris Enweremadu; Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev’d Father Christian Anokwuru; and the General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu.
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