Chukwumalu Humbled As ANLCA Leaders Grace His Campaign Rally

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Mr. Emeka Chukwumalu alias Akwudoleze Friday, February 7, 2025 apparently registered his name in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) hall of fame, as leaders of the Western Zone and who-is-who in the association’s political arena personally attended the grand finale of his election campaign for the chairmanship of the  Apapa Chapter.

For Chukwumalu and his running mate, Alhaji Kayode Jejeloye in the forthcoming chapter election, it was an uncommon gratifying moment to have the immediate past Acting National President, Dr. Kayode Farinto as well as the immediate past Sole Administrator and former National Secretary, Alhaji Abdulazeez Mukaila, plus the ‘Henry Kissinger’ of ANLCA, Sir John Ofobike, all seated as Chukwumalu and his Integrity Team members rounded off their campaign programme in Apapa.

At the star parade studded campaign rally was also the Vice President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Ojo Peter Akintoye. It goes without question that whereas the personal attendance of these leaders and great minds not only confer affirmation of integrity, trust and confidence on Chukwumalu and his team; but comes as the loudest endorsement any group of contestants to the chapter leadership position can attract.

As should most likely be expected of this august support, Chukwumalu carefully picking his words assured that he and his team have the leadership wherewithal, energy and track record to build on the gains of the past administrations and thus take the chapter affairs to the next level by positively impacting on the collective good of members.

With his unmistaken trade mark for maximum respect to all that respect is due, Chukwumalu upon taking the stage to address the rally, noted that he was standing in their midst because the people allowed him to stand.

Hinting that he stepped out into the contest ring because members of the chapter asked him to do so following his leadership capacity, he thanked them and all others that graced the occasion, even as he noted the matter is not over yet, until they give him the needed votes to get into office in order to serve them.

“I am standing here because you people allowed me to stand. In the last year, some of you seated here made it a point of duty to constantly remind me of the forthcoming ANLCA chapter elections and why you wanted me to occupy the Chairmanship position of the Apapa chapter. I also shared my vision with some of you, which made you believe no better hand can take the Apapa chapter to the next level at this time except Akwudoleze.

“Many of you agreed with me that the task at hand requires someone with my kind of experience to deliver the needed result. This is why I am standing before these honorable men and women because the ‘D’ day is almost here. You convinced me to take up the challenge, but you must complete the assignment by voting me in.”

Presenting his credentials and service track record, Akwudoleze said he has always performed to expectation as he enumerated some of his past assignments and tasks in the cause of serving ANLCA; as proof of his capacity to deliver.

“Just to refresh your memory. I, Emeka Chukwumalu, a.k.a Akwudoleze, was the Task Force Coordinator of ANLCA Apapa during the period of Olumide Fakanlu as the Apapa Chairman, and our team did excellently well. Based on my performance, I was elected the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Chapter. I retained this position back to back during the Tenure of Onyeka Dom (MUDOMS).”

With a five-point campaign manifesto, Chukwumalu delved into what he and his team have set out to achieve if elected into office.

“Not wanting to let go, some members approached me to contest the chairmanship position because of my bundle of political energy. As a visionary, my campaign manifesto has identified five major characteristics that stand me out to assume this Chairmanship seat.

Trust

As a well-known member of ANLCA Apapa chapter, majority of the chapter members not only see him as an asset but equates him with quality representation built on leadership guarantees that bothers on tested output and performance. Thus he and his team remains the best choice over and above political liability.

Passion

Young, passionate and energetic,  he and his integrity team possess the leadership and political energy to leverage on past assignments and elective positions to improve on the fortune of the chapter.

Goals

With a history of successes in past critical roles such as he led a campaign against perceived intimidation of customs agents during the Abdullahi Dikko Inde administration, Chukwumalu assured that his goal would be to create a level playing field in cargo clearing activities.

Team Player

A tested team player, the Apapa Chapter chairmanship hopeful promised to maintain his habitual team spirit as yet another asset that up the gains of the chapter under his tenure.

Quality Leadership

Those who have followed his track records over the years believe that he is a born leader. In his word, Akwudoleze says: “If elected the Chairman, I, Akwudoleze whose record as the hardest working PRO of the chapter resonates with members and will make the chapter the envy of other associations.

“I have leadership experience to my advantage, and many of you seated here know that my tenure will be the best thing that ever happened to ANLCA, Apapa chapter. We cannot afford to miss this unique opportunity.”

Other members of the Integrity Team include Alhaji Rasaq Saheed Ishola (Secretary), Dona Nweze (Assistant Secretary), Sir Tony Anakebe (Treasurer), Olodan Abdulakeem (Financial Secretary), and Chief Chima Idika (Public Relations Officer).