ANLCA Crisis: Mustapha says resolution to crisis imminent

Declares ‘There’s no vacancy in ANLCA Board’

Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha has warned that there is no vacancy in the association’s board and urged members not to allow themselves to be used to escalate the crisis that have rocked the foremost customs brokerage group spanning about two years.

Mustapha made the above in his New Year goodwill message to members, even as he notes that the board’s efforts to resolve the internal crisis in on course, and appealed to members of the association to eschew tendencies that will further deepen the crisis.

“The BOT under my leadership remains the only legally and validly recognized board, and as such, I urge you to dismiss any impression of any other legitimate BOT. You can’t place something on nothing. We shall continue to explore all responsible and legitimate means to ensure that the crisis is brought to a terminal end.

While apologizing to members over the protracted crisis and its negative impact of members businesses and well-being, he noted that the crisis would long have been settled if the National Executive Committee (NECOM) of ANLCA has been favourably disposed to the board gestures, rather than taking sides and further fueling the problems.

“May I respectfully make it abundantly clear that nobody has the monopoly of mischief.  I am not unaware of the great burden this unnecessary crisis in the leadership tussle within the BOT has caused for us all, particularly the larger non leadership members, on whose mandate the BOT, NECOM and NEC, derive their authority.”

He continue: “For this larger house and members, I apologise that we dragged you into this crisis. This was nothing but due to one individual’s big headedness, ego, and stubbornness; lack of consideration, intolerance and atrophy; and who refused to honour simple democratic principles that gave him the mandate to lead the board in late 2014.”

He farther promised that the board will accelerate the process of resolution that will make it possible for members and ANLCA to catch up with lost time, very shortly, and return to its former place of recognition and influence.

“However, be assured that the BOT under my leadership and with the assurances of the conscientious members will continue to explore all available and legitimate avenues to resolve all the contending and outstanding issues. We strongly believe that together, in unity, we will make the best of the New Year.

“I believe that the crisis and issues at hand are simple and resolvable, and hence the BOT has been unsparing in this effort. For the umpteenth time, I report that the BOT have severally, formally and informally communicated with NECOM on the need to sit down and dialogue; unfortunately, our efforts have always been trashed or treated with insincere dispositions.”

Mustapha who appealed to members that may be engaged in mischief making, to desist, and described ANLCA as a united family, even as he urged everyone to contribute to resolving the problems and to move forward together, noting that there is strength in unity. He said the board’s continued interest in office is propelled by members’ moral imperative to fulfill its mandate, and declared that the board will not be distracted in ensuring that ANLCA’s peace and unity returns.

“You may recall that towards the end of last year, the BOT brought the matter to the attention of the Western Zone in a well attended town hall meeting in Lagos; with the hope of meeting with the other zones, so as to dialogue and get feedback on the way forward. ANLCA members nationwide used to be united by faith and common interest, and therefore, the BOT believe the urgent need to crush the monster that pretends to be working for and not against a formidable united ANLCA.

“I appeal to all members of ANLCA not to make themselves available as instruments of disunity, enmity and opposition. One thing is certain. Truth is constant and will surely prevail, irrespective of how long and slow it takes. For the five of us who voted against two on the 13^th April 2018, I make bold to say that we remain steadfast holding onto this mandate, not because of any material benefit, but that we should defend our simple democratic settings. No pretentious individual is bigger than the association.”

Thanking God for keeping members alive, safe and healthy into the New Year despite the pandemic of 2020, the board chairman urged members to take responsibility for their safety in the new years by submitting to all safety protocols put in place by the federal government.

“On behalf of my humble self and members of the registered Board of Trustees (BOT), I bring you all greetings and felicitations; and heartily welcome you to the New Year, 2021. Which of the favours of God can we deny? To Him belongs the dominion of the world and the heaven.

“We thank Almighty God for His goodness and mercy upon us as individuals, our families, our businesses, and above all our association, despite our human failings, misunderstandings and avoidable crisis.

“Permit me to further appeal to all members that we should all adhere to the safety protocols advised by the federal government on the second wave of Covid-19. I have no doubt that we will defeat the second wave of this pandemic. It is our prayers that all of us and our beloved families will not fall victim of the virus.

“ANLCA will rise again and again. Nigeria will be greater.”