We are duly elected, Kano rice farmers’ officials say

The leadership of the Kano branch of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has refuted claims going round that they were selfappointed, insisting that they emerged from constitutional proceedings that legalise the operations of the association.

The state RIFAN chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Haruna Aliyu, made this known during a chat with newsmen in Kano.

He said it was disheartening that some individuals had failed to appreciate the contributions of the association to the rice production progress in the country, adding that such people were blinded by selfish interest; they only care about who governs the association.

"The leadership of RIFAN is authentic as it follows all the recommended procedures enshrined in the constitution of the association. However, it baffles me to hear that some individuals believe that we appointed ourselves into positions. It is laughable! How can we just impose ourselves in positions? We accept criticisms, especially objective ones, but we cannot accept false accusations," he said.