Put Your House in Order, Abia Govt Urges AFAN, Says It Does Not Recognise Factions

Abia State Government has told the state chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) that it does not recognise any of its faction, urging the association to put its house in order.

This is as the State Government has waded into the crisis rocking the association in Abia state which has led to factions and splinter groups.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba who spoke after a crucial meeting held with the various factions at Government House Umuahia, stated that the activities of the association would be audited to ensure that things are done the right way.

Ajagba noted that the allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability made by leaders of the varying factions means that the association is not properly run in the State.

He pointed out that the meeting was convened to restore peace and unity among the apex farmers’ association, stressing that there is need to ensure harmony of those in charge of providing food for the people.

“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’s why we have called you,” Ajagba said.

“As a government, we are not aligned to any faction. But we want to make sure that sanity prevails. It’s only when you are united, you’ll be able to forge ahead to be able to align with the plans and programmes of this government.

“The government remains passionate in order to fulfil the mandate that has been given by Abia. And no group, let me repeat, no group, no faction is strong enough to stop the will of the government to do what is right,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Chief of Staff noted that, the association as is existing currently in Abia State is not being properly run, emphasising that the state government is not recognizing any of the factions.

“And as a responsible government, we have to take actions that will be able to address that kind of division, which is unacceptable by all standards. So we have to ensure that proper structure is maintained and restored.

“As a step forward, the activities, the state of affairs of the association will be audited to make sure that things are being done the right way because we have seen and heard of allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability.

“Government is not recognizing any faction. Once the state of affairs of the association are now very clear to us, then those who are interested will present themselves for election,” Gov. Otti stated.

In their various contributions at the meeting, the key factional leaders of AFAN in Abia state including, Mrs Gift Ogbonna, Mr. Ndudirm Ikelua

and Lady Precious Uwaoma narrated how each of them emerged as State Chairman respectively at different places.

While accusing one another as the architect of the crises in the association, they equally affirmed loyalty to different factions at the national level.

Also in their various reactions and interviews, some members of AFAN, including Chief Herbert Ogbonna, Mr. Dike Onyemaeze, Mr. David Umeh, among others attributed the crises in the Abia state chapter of AFAN to selfishness of various members who insist to be at the helm of affairs in the association.

They however requested the intervention of the state government to solve the problem, thanking Governor Alex Otti for convening the meeting and pledged to abide by the decision.