Benue Agric Commissioner Ashaver Holds Reconciliation Meeting to Unite AFAN Factions

By Enoch Azaye

The lingering leadership crisis rocking the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State Chapter, may soon be laid to rest following a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, in Makurdi on Thursday.

For some time, AFAN in Benue has been embroiled in factional disputes, leaving the umbrella body for farmers divided and weakened. Dr. Ashaver opened discussions by giving both factions the opportunity to speak openly, urging all parties to be truthful and mindful of their responsibilities as custodians of government-recognized structures.

Deliberations revealed that the major cause of disunity in the association was the consistent breach of AFAN’s constitution. One member, quoting political philosopher Thomas Hobbes, said: “A society without leadership and law: life will be brutish, nasty, and short.”

Responding to the grievances, Dr. Ashaver expressed deep concern over the state of affairs. He noted that he did not envisage inheriting such a divided association upon assuming office, especially at a time when Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is prioritizing the digital transformation and modernization of agriculture in Benue.

“It is unfortunate that this crisis is rocking AFAN when the governor is so determined to upgrade Benue agriculture to a modernized, digital infrastructure. We must get out of this quagmire before such lofty goals can be achieved,” he said.

While urging strict adherence to AFAN’s constitution, the Commissioner cautioned against selfishness and internal sabotage. “As we work, let us remember that tomorrow is longer than today. We must not allow selfish desires to divide us. Let us put aside bad energy, sit together as a family, and roll out a working plan that unites rather than divides. Democracy must be allowed to prevail,” Dr. Ashaver advised.

At the end of the meeting, members of both factions commended the Commissioner’s sagacity and patience as a mediator. They also acknowledged at last that respect for order and the constitution remained the only path to peace, stressing that the crisis had never built any sustainable institution.

The reconciliation effort marks a significant step toward restoring unity within AFAN, aligning with the state’s broader agricultural modernization goals.