Abia Government Moves to End AFAN Factional Crisis, Orders Audit of Association
The Abia State Government has stepped in to resolve the lingering crisis within the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), which has splintered into rival factions.
Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, announced the intervention after a crucial meeting with leaders of the opposing groups at Government House, Umuahia.
Ajagba said the meeting aimed to restore peace and unity among farmers, stressing their critical role in ensuring food security.
“Seeing the crucial role that farmers play, it is critical for us as a government to make sure all those responsible for food production are united,” he stated. “As a government, we are not aligned to any faction, but we will ensure sanity prevails. No group is strong enough to stop the will of the government to do what is right.”
Governor Otti observed that the association in Abia is currently “not being properly run,” a situation he said mirrors divisions at the national level. He made it clear that the state government will not recognize any faction until order is restored.
“We have noticed that the association as it exists presently in Abia State is not properly managed, leading to all kinds of factions,” Otti said. “As a responsible government, we must address this division. Accountability has also been a major problem.
“As a step forward, the activities and state of affairs of the association will be audited to ensure transparency. Once the records are clear, those interested can present themselves for election.”
Factional leaders, Mrs. Gift Ogbonna, Mr. Ndudirm Ikelua, and Lady Precious Uwaoma each recounted how they separately emerged as state chairpersons, while accusing one another of fueling the crisis and pledging loyalty to different national factions.
Other members present—including Chief Herbert Ogbonna, Mr. Dike Onyemaeze, and Mr. David Umeh—blamed the turmoil on selfish ambitions within the association. They welcomed the government’s intervention and pledged to abide by its decisions.
Top government officials at the meeting included the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; the Governor’s Special Adviser on Agriculture, Prince Chris Enweremadu; the Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru; and the General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu.
