The attention of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kwara State Chapter, has been drawn to a press release allegedly issued by the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture, pronouncing the suspension of the Hon. Umar Mahmud Aboki-led State Working Committee (SWC) of our Association.
Without prejudice to whatever may have informed this purported suspension, we categorically reject it in its entirety, as it is illegal, unconstitutional, and devoid of any legitimacy.
It is imperative to state that AFAN is an independent, registered non-governmental organization governed by its constitution and national leadership. The current leadership of the association in Kwara State, under Alhaji Umar Mahmud Aboki, emerged through a duly conducted election, in accordance with the established guidelines and constitution of AFAN.
This was contained in a press statement made available to Just Event Online TV on Thursday
The association is neither an appendage of the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture nor under its administrative control. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture lacks the legal standing or authority to interfere in the internal affairs of AFAN, let alone suspend its duly elected leadership.
As a professional body, AFAN owes its allegiance solely to its national leadership, and any decision concerning its leadership structure remains the exclusive prerogative of its members and the national executive. Any external interference in its affairs amounts to an overreach and an abuse of administrative power.
In light of this, we call upon His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, CON, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and progress of farmers in the state, to intervene in this matter and rein in the newly appointed Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Afeez Abolore. It is crucial that the Commissioner refrains from any action that could destabilize the harmonious relationship that AFAN has enjoyed with the Kwara State Government.
Under the leadership of Hon. Aboki, AFAN in Kwara State has maintained a robust and mutually beneficial relationship with the government. This collaboration was particularly evident during the tenure of the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Toyosi Thomas, whose approach to governance was marked by dialogue, cooperation, and respect for stakeholders. We, therefore, urge the new Commissioner to adopt a similar approach and desist from creating unnecessary tension where none exists.
AFAN remains committed to the advancement of agriculture in Kwara State and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that benefit farmers and the agricultural sector at large.
Signed by State Working Committee, SWC AFAN, Kwara State Chapter:
SIGNED
Hon Umar Mahmud Aboki
Chairman.
SIGNED
Mallam Edun Abdulrasaq
Deputy chairman
SIGNED
Alh Yahya Afolabi
Secretary
SIGNED
Hon Sunday Osasuna
Assistant Secretary.
SIGNED
Alh Funmilayo Lawal.
Women leader.
SIGNED
Alfa Saad Atonto
Kwara Central Senatorial Coordinator
SIGNED
Aduagba Suleiman Bukola
Kwara North Senatorial Coordinator.
SIGNED
Mallam Kashewa
Kwara South Senatorial Coordinator
SIGNED
Engr Afolayan Funsho A
Youth in Agric Leader
