ANA disowns planned convention in Bayelsa

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The National Office of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has disassociated itself from a convention reportedly scheduled for July 20, 2025, in Bayelsa State to elect a new state executive committee.

In a statement signed by the National President of ANA, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the association said the National Executive Council (NEC) is not aware of or associated with any such convention or election, except the one already held that produced the recognised executive led by Barr. Ebi Robert.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is only one recognised State Executive Committee, and that is the one led by Barr. Ebi Robert,” Akanbi said.

He recalled that the association had experienced internal crises following the botched 2019 Enugu Convention, but since his emergence as president in 2023, efforts had been made to reconcile affected state chapters. According to him, many members have now aligned with the NEC-recognised state leadership.

Akanbi expressed disappointment that despite peace efforts, some members in Bayelsa failed to comply with directives to re-register under the leadership of Ebi Robert. He said registration forms had been made available, and some affected members filled them out in good faith.

“Apparently, when we thought the issues had been resolved, we received reports that some members plan to hold another state election. This attempt to sabotage earlier mediation has failed woefully,” he stated.

The ANA President urged the public to disregard any convention or election being held in Bayelsa, stressing that such actions are null, void, and of no legal effect.

He added that associations globally operate within the framework of their national leadership, and no branch exists in isolation of its duly elected national body.