By Ade Jacobs
The decision by a faction of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), led by Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, to press ahead with the election of the Tin Can Port chapter of the association has further worsened the leadership crisis in the association.
The flagship association of customs agents in the country has been factionalised into two – ANLCA 1 and ANLCA 2 – since Tony Iju Nwabunike succeeded Olayiwola Shittu as the national president of the association in March 2018.
The factions are now led by Nwabunike and Mustapha, who claim to be the chairman board of trustees of the association, respectively.
The power tussle has degenerated following claims by both factions that they have powers to conduct elections into the executive positions of various chapters of the association across the country.
ANLCA 1 had, on January 12, 2021, conducted elections into the Airport and Western Zone chapters of the association, and decided to go ahead with the Tin Can aspect, thus drawing the angst of the Nwabunike-led faction.
Before the Western zone election was conducted, the Mustapha faction issued a statement where it claimed the election was “in line with ANLCA ‘Supreme Constitution’ on conduct of election, adding that “the Electoral Committee hereby scheduled” other elections, including that of the Tin Can chapter for January 14.
But in a swift reaction, the Nwabunike faction has issued a disclaimer against the move, noting that the elections did not have its approval. It said it has only certified the electoral committee led by Raymond Onyimba and not Chima Obi Best, as claimed by the other faction, to conduct elections into any of its chapters.
A statement signed by Alhaji Abdulazeez Mukaila, the faction’s national secretary, said that the Mustapha faction had no backing of the national body.
The disclaimer read: “The National President, Iju Tony Nwabunike, has directed a reaction to false publication signed by one Chima Obi best, claiming chairmanship of ANLCA Association Electoral Commission (ASECO).
“For clarification, the Chairman of ANLCA ASECO remains Barrister Oyimba Raymond Enekwechi, as ratified by the National Executive Council (NEC).”
Sources close to the Mustapha’s faction told 365Daily that any attempt to stop the election will be resisted. A source who said he’s a member of the electoral committee said they are law abiding and peace loving citizens “who have been equipped with the ANLCA constitution to conduct elections. Having said that, we will resist any attempt by anybody to prevent us from doing our jobs”.
Meanwhile, Kayode Farinto, the Vice President of ANLCA, told 365Daily that Mustapha had ceased to be the chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, noting that an election was held last year to replace the former board led by him.