Farmers in Abia State, under the banner of the Real Farmers Association, have raised concerns over alleged acts of fraud, dishonesty, and extortion reportedly being perpetrated by the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), headed by Ms. Gift Ogbonna.
In a strongly worded Press Statement issued to Newsmen, in Umuahia, the farmers, through their spokesperson, Lady Precious Uwaoma, accused Ms Ogbonna of parading herself illegally as the chairperson of AFAN despite the absence of a proper electoral process.
“IIt is with profound regret that we highlight the alarming state of affairs within Afan under the chairpersonship of Ms. Gift Ogbonna.
“Not only was she not duly elected through a proper electoral process, but her tenure has also been marked by blatant dishonesty and misinformation”, the statement read.
The spokesperson of the association, also alleged that since assuming office in February, Ms Ogbonna had engaged in “disparaging the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, undermining the efforts of the government to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration.”
According to the farmers, the embattled AFAN leader and her associates have “contributed little to the actual advancement of farming in Abia” despite claiming more than 20 years of service in the association”.
“Their actions have seemingly prioritized personal gain over the welfare of the farming community.
“Numerous initiatives have been proposed with the promise of benefits, however, they have only resulted in further disillusionment among farmers, as no tangible outcomes have emerged”.
One of the major grievances raised by the group was what they called the “unnecessary extortion” of members.
They further alleged that new executive committee members were compelled to pay between N22,000 and N42,000 for nomination forms, adding that many farmers were yet to receive certificates or Identity cards in return for repayments.
“Following the inauguration in February, the newly formed State Executive Committee members were unexpectedly asked to pay additional fees for nomination forms ranging from N22,000 to N42,000.
“To this end, many of us have yet to receive any certificates or ID cards in return for repayments, raising serious concerns regarding the financial management and ethical conduct of the association”, the statement further read
The farmers therefore issued a three-point demand to the State Government, calling on Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, to intervene immediately.
“In light of these grievances, we earnestly appeal to the government, particularly to Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, to take immediate action.
“We request that a meeting be convened with all genuine farmers in Abia State, facilitating an opportunity for a proper, free and fair election within AfAN.
“It is crucial that we restore integrity and trust in the leadership of our farming community to ensure a prosperous future for agriculture in Abia State and we state thus,
“1. Ms. Gift Ogbonna should stop parading herself as the AFAN chairman in Abia State because there has been no proper election of Afan in Abia State.
“2. The government, through the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture in person of Dr. Cliff Abweze, should be allowed to handle activities of farmers in Abia State henceforth until proper election is conducted.
“3. Ms. Gift Ogbonna and her associates should desist from unnecessary extortion of money from the poor farmers in Abia State. Anybody contributing money or buying any form from Ms. Gift Ogbonnaya is doing so at his own detriment.
“We hope for your prompt attention to these pressing matters and look forward to your support in rectifying the current situation”, the statement concluded.
