The protracted crisis rocking the umbrella body of clearing agents in the country, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) seem to be heading to the end with the inauguration of an interim national executive committee (NECOM) headed by Chief Pius Ujubuonu by the Board of Trustees (BOT) which has Alhaji Mustapha Taiwo as its Chairman.
Other members of the interim NECOM besides Ujubuonu who is the Acting National President, are Alhaji Jamiu Lala Adeyinka, Acting National Vice President; Mr. Joseph Sanni Acting National Secretary; Mr. Francis Itua, Acting National Publicity Secretary; and Alhaji Usman Baba Luggu as Acting National Treasurer.
Also sworn in were Alhaji Waheed Funsho Gbadamosi, Acting National Financial Secretary; Chief Obi Chima, Leader Eastern Zone; Chief John Ofobike, Leader Western Zone; and Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Wakili, Leader Northern Zone of ANLCA.
In line with the provisions of ANLCA constitution, the interim NECOM has 90 days to deliver on its assignment.
With the appointment of the interim NECOM, the leadership of Hon. Anthony Iju Nwabunike led executives which was inherited by the National Vice Chairman, Chief Kayode Farinto has been brought to an end.
The decision of the BOT was sequel to a court order by Justice Rilwan Aikawa in suit number FHC/L/CS/921/2020 which barred Nwabunike led NECOM from parading Itself as national officers of ANLCA or signing any documents on ANLCA’s behalf since 26 August, 2020.
Following the development, the BOT took the much awaited constitutional step by officially declaring the tenure of the NECOM elected in Enugu on 8 March 2018 as dead and of no effect.
Apart from the fact that that the court order is yet to be challenge or vacated in any court of competent jurisdiction, the purported tenure extension and constitutional amendments done in the Imo State capital, Owerri on 16 December 2020 was not only illegal, null and void but also ultra vires.
The inauguration of the interim NECOM took place recently at Dikko Inde House, the national secretariat of ANLCA situated along Durbar Road, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Speaking at the occasion, Mustapha made it clear that the decision taken by the BOT was hinged on the provisions of the extant supreme constitution of ANLCA 2008 (as amended), sections 13, subsection 4 (c-d) and section 22, and subsection 2 (c).
The interim NECOM is expected to embark on reconciliation of members across all divide, conduct elections, as well as chart a progressive course for the association.
It is also expected to address all operational challenges, attend to the welfare needs of members, and reconnect with stakeholders in the maritime industry, among other roles and responsibilities.
