The Abia State Government has ordered a full audit of the activities and affairs of the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), following allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability that have fuelled deep-seated crises within the association.
The decision was announced on Thursday after a crucial meeting held at Government House, Umuahia, between government officials and representatives of the various factions of AFAN in the state.
Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the meeting was convened to restore peace and unity in the apex farmers’ association, stressing the need for harmony.
“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,” he said.
The Governor emphasised that the state government is not aligned with any faction, insisting that sanity must prevail.
“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,” Otti declared.
He further noted that the association, as presently constituted in Abia State, is not being properly run and has become polarised by divisions emanating from the national body.
“We have noticed that the association as is existing presently in Abia State is not being properly run, that’s why you have all kinds of factions and because it is not being properly run, the division and divisiveness that is prevalent at the centre has also infiltrated the states, notably Abia State.
“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,” the Governor added.
On the issue of accountability, he announced that the government would audit the operations of AFAN in the state.
“We have also discovered that accountability has been a major problem in the running of this association.
“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 recognising 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,” Otti stated.
During the meeting, key factional leaders of AFAN in Abia State, including Mrs Gift Ogbonna, Mr Ndudirm Ikelua and Lady Precious Uwaoma, narrated how each emerged as state chairman at different fora, with each accusing the other of fuelling the crisis. They also confirmed their allegiance to rival factions at the national level.
Some AFAN members present, including Chief Herbert Ogbonna, Mr Dike Onyemaeze and Mr David Umeh, attributed the crisis to selfishness and power tussles among leaders of the association. They welcomed the intervention of the state government and pledged loyalty to its decision.
The meeting was also attended by top government 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 Father Christian Anokwuru; and the General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Dr Kingsley Nwaigburu.
