AFAN Tussles: Minister, public told case still in court

The Minister of Agriculture, and the general public have been notified not to recognize any group or transact business pending the final pronouncement of the Federal Court of Appeal on the matter of leadership between the Architect Kabir Ibrahim led factions of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and Faruk Rabiu Mudi who had officially been adjudged as substantive president by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of Federal High Court.

This call was made in a press statement made available to Foodfarmnews by AFAN president, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim (FNIA), and it coincides with another statement signed by Obe Mbosire Mabel for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ( FMARD) where the Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar had received Alh. Mudi Farouk and his other executives to his office.

In the FMARD statement, Dr. Abubakar promised collaboration with the group to enhance the livelihood of farmers across the country toward ensuring food security and job creations.

The statement added this was in line with the diversification policy of President Mohammadu Buhari's administration from an oil dependent economy to agricultural led economy, adding that all departments and agencies of the ministry would be ready to support the association in food productivity in Nigeria.

Alhaji Farouk in the statement said that the association under his leadership had achieved extablishment of Micro Finance Bank, provision of tractors loan to members, and commencement of farmers data generation among others.

Meanwhile, the statement of Arc. Ibrahim has called the attention of the FMARD and other institutions that no other group than his should be attended to pending when the Federal Court of Appeal will dispense judgement.

" We urge the Federal Government and Specifically the FMARD as well as general public to follow due judicial process and rule of law in transacting any business with anyone except Arc. Kabir Ibrahim and his National and state executives regarding Nigeria farmers" said the statement

Kabir said in the statement that his leadership with other executives is still bonafide pending final judgement, argued that the case of Engr. Dave Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi state who the Federal High Court asked to vacate office upon being sued by People's Democratic Party (PDP)for joining All Progressive Congress (APC) as vivid similar example.