We’re not distracted to lead ANLCA to path of growth – Nwabunike

… Dismisses claim of leadership tussle…

…Insists no genuine owner builds to destroy..

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tony Nwabunike has expressed the commitment to lead the association to its path of survival, growth and development.

Nwabunike who stated the association under his watch would never betray the mandate given to lead it till 2023, however stated there was no leadership tussle in ANLCA adding the real leader and recognised group that will never want the association be destroyed are known.

2020 ANLCA Secretariat attacker

This is coming after an attack on the secretariat of the association in October 2020. The hoodlums armed with guns, cutlasses, charms and other dangerous items had launched an attack on the secretariat leading to the loss of over N20 million worth of property.

In a statement made available to Nation Update, the president of the association disclosed members and secretariat staff on ground were beaten up and harassed by the hired thugs in the incident.

“While the police and our national officers are taking inventory of any loss or damage from recent attacks, without accusing anyone, some persons have started faulting our stock taking move in a panicky display”.

We won’t watch our dear association be destroyed while we fold our hands, Nwabunike insisted.

“Whatever lawful means available to seek redress and get justice is what we will perpetually be committed to. A licensed customs agents is not expected to be a thug or promoter of thugs to unleash attack on the secretariat of the foremost body of professionals in customs brokerage in Nigeria.

We are never part of “if we can’t have it, let’s destroy it mentality”. My administration has always been open to reconciliation in the interest of one united and indivisible ANLCA”‘ Nwabunike expressed.

According to him, the real ANLCA leadership and it’s known Board of Trustees who won elections would not be part of arson, wanton attack on the secretariat and pushing to get it locked up or rejoicing whenever it is sealed.

We know those who prefer ANLCA be divided without minding if the body survived or not.

He therefore enjoined all our members across the country to continually be law abiding and report attacks or threat to attack them to the police. He also extended the olive branch again to the former members who according to him expressed the remorse and true repentance.

We may review the various sanctions ranging from suspension to expulsion and grant them amnesty for readmission, if they truly changed and resolved to abide by the constitution of the association.

This, he said was not out of fear or cowardice and therefore should not be taken for granted adding under his watch any form of indiscipline or lawless behaviour would not be cordoned.

Our secretariat is open and functioning for our members’ use and operation while as leaders we keep working towards a more peaceful and orderly body.

ANLCA as a body of professionals shall continually pursue the interest of the national economy by supporting Federal Government ease of doing business and trade facilitation agendas.

Our attention must not be lost on key economic issues like the controversial Vehicle ldentification Number (VIN) valuation, abusive collection of samples from imported cargoes by agents of government, alleged wanton extortion along port corridor and within port.

We shall also support government initiative at ensuring regulatory and security agencies operatives abided by their appropriately specified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), aimed at making our seaports, airports and approved border stations work in synchrony with international best practices

The President nevertheless appreciated all NECOM members who through the trying period, joined him in working tirelessly for the organization.

These, he said included the Board Members led by the Vice Chairman, Chief Ozo Chukwura, the Patrons led by Chief Henry Njoku, National VP Dr. Collins Farinto, National Secretary, National Financial Secretary and other NECOM members showed their commitment to truth, fairness and loyalty to the great association, all through.

He also commended the steadfastness of the Western Zonal Chairman and Compliance Team in the face of recent impasse.

Usman Alkali, IGP

While also commending the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, who according to him ordered the immediate reopening of the secretariat upon hearing all sides to the matter added the IGP’s fairness and commitment to peace in ANLCA had been very instructive right from his days as AIG Maritime.