‘ANLCA BoT Election Victory For All Members And Contestants’ – Mustapha

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Newly elected members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has elected Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha its chairman.

The National Publicity Secretary of ANLCA, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, who disclosed above said Mustapha’s re-election as board chairman is a testament of his unwavering dedication to the service of ANLCA.

In reaction to his emergence as chairman of the new board, Mustapha said the task ahead is to pursue the agenda of the B-9 in addition to consolidate on the peace process within the association, to break down self serving alliances and forge a united body; noting that every member of the association and those that contested the board election are all winners in the present dispensation.

Speaking on the election of officers for the board, Onyeme said the event which took place on Tuesday , September 23, 2024 also saw Chief Dennis Okafor and Mr. Kingsley Offor emerging as Vice Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Onyeme explained that Mustapha’s re-election as board chairman is noteworthy. “Taiwo Mustapha’s leadership during challenging times proved his resilience and dedication to our association. His return as Chairman is well-deserved.”

A man of uncommon peace and good heart, Mustapha was believed to have rallied his four colleagues, namely, Okafor, Prince Taye Oyeniyi, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, Dayo Azeez, during the crisis to regularly accede to amenable settlements; despite manifest evidences to the contrary by the opponents.

Even at the risk of holding the short side of the stick during settlement negotiations, Mustapha it is said favours the peace initiatives, rarely agreeing to hard line positions his faction were often compelled, painfully, to adopt.

In a statement reflecting his acceptance of the new mandate, Mustapha says members of the association are professional family, and urged one and all to join the current effort in positively shaping their collective future, devoid of rancour.

While thanking ANLCA president emeritus, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, the National President, Emenike Nwokoji, his Vice, Prince Segun Oduntan, the National Executive Committee (NECOM), the B-9 Campaign Team, the Association Electoral Commission (ASECO), and all members of the association for the successful outcome of the board election, Mustapha challenged everyone to put behind all bitterness of whatever nature and join hands with the BoT and NECOM to stride along with one love.

“May I on behalf of the newly elected board of trustees, express my profound appreciation to the National President, Emenike Nwokoji, his Vice, Segun Oduntan,  the National Executive Committee (NECOM), the B-9 Campaign Team, the Association Electoral Commission (ASECO), all members of our great association for the successful outcome of the BOT election/AGM.

“Apparently, and without any iota of doubt, the association has gone through a self-inflicted crisis that started like irreconcilable differences but which later snowballed into a major war.  Battles were fought on many grounds from different police divisions, area and state commands, to police headquarters, and in various courtrooms.  At a point, mistrust and anarchy was all over the national secretariat and some chapters.”

Mustapha said while big money and ego played significant roles in the crisis, the emergence of the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as comptroller general of customs, helped in effectively forcing a settlement that produced a tolerable atmosphere to conduct elections for national officers of the association; leading gradually to more peace through which the recent board election was also conducted.

“While the unwarranted egoistic turbulence lasted, blood was shed, the who is who in the maritime and logistics industry continued to alienate ANLCA; and the association was losing honour, gains, and past glory. The warriors continued to flex muscles with hard-earned cash.

“But, at the right time, our Merciful Lord decided to overlook our shortcomings and came to our rescue. With the emergence of Bashir Wale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of Customs, the seemingly endless darkness began the dawn of a new brighter day. Warring parties eventually began to see the need to swallow their pride.  The Customs Consultative Committee under the chairman of Aare Akeem Olanrewaju was able to pull the strings.

“We jawed-jawed, and the wool covering our eye lashes was yanked off and the rest like it is said, is history. On this note, we extend our appreciation to the CG of Customs, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC); Alh Abubakr Sanni of CRFFN, president-emeritus Prince Oloyiwola Shittu, Chief Ernest Elochukwu and our patron, Prince Taiye Oyemiyi who sacrificed his position at the peak of the negotiation to pave way for enduring peace.”

Mustapha said that since in every election winners and losers must emerge, the winners should make allowance for the losers, and to promote an atmosphere chivalry and camaraderie.

“We must all recognise that the BOT election was a landmark victory for all us.  It was a win-win all the routes.  Every contestant in the election won, except ANLCA detractors.  Those who emerged should be magnanimous and accommodating enough to remember it was a mutual game. Kayode Farinto, Ozor Chukwura, Eniola Igbarola are part of the winning team, and the final WINNER is ANLCA.

“Let us together in one accord say that from 12th September 2024, the embers of evil have finally been buried.  Let there be no going back on the moving train of progress, unity, and harmony in the big FAMILY.  The B-9 calls on all members of this great association, and by extension everyone in the maritime and logistics sector of Nigeria to join hands with NECOM and the new BOT to fight our common enemies in the ports and border stations.

“Your support and solidarity would not be taken for granted, our campaign promises will be seriously addressed.  We owe it as a matter of honor to pursue with vigor, all that will put ANLCA in the comity of enviable professional associations.  Remember, what we demand from you is commitment, understanding, and respect for our Supreme Constitution.”