At inception, it was christened Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN). A little over one year ago, it was rechristened Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA).
Even though the name changed, its leadership didn’t immediately change until late last year when Chief Isaac Jolapamo handed over to Capt Dada Labinjo, who until then was the association’s Secretary. The change of guard was after a keenly-contested election.
At inception, it was christened Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN). A little over one year ago, it was rechristened Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA).
Even though the name changed, its leadership didn’t immediately change until late last year when Chief Isaac Jolapamo handed over to Capt Dada Labinjo, who until then was the association’s Secretary. The change of guard was after a keenly-contested election.
But, since the Chief Jolapamo left (after serving for more than 10 years), his successor; has known no peace; the association has been divided between two factions.
When the ISAN (as it was then called) was formed, it was for the sole aim of boosting participation of its members in the nation’s shipping sector; by acquiring more ships.
Its pioneer president; Chief Isaac Jolapamo played a good role to put the association on a strong pedestal; he also worked hard to ensure that members of the association enjoyed a better life in terms of patronage. Whether or not that was achieved is a story for another day. The association’s nomenclature was also changed to Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) under Chief Jolapamo’s watch.
But the crisis that has engulfed NISA since Jolapamo’e exit has painfully taken a new twist- a new association was recently floated by a group of embittered members; led by those who lost out in the election that was won by Capt Labinjo. This include: Mr Temisan Omatseye, Mrs Margret Orakwusi and Engr Greg Ogbeifun.
Instructively, at the unveiling of the new association that was christened Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr Ogbeifun was also announced as President of the new association.
Not less than 22 members of NISA were reported to have attended the meeting where SOAN along with its promoters were unveiled.
In its inaugural speech, the new SOAN President said the body “comprised of ship owning companies with proven track records of activities in the industry recognized by upstream and downstream sectors of the shipping industry as well as by the private and public sectors of the industry."
Ogbeifun said there was need for shipowners to dialogue among themselves and with any other interest group on topical issues and practices pertaining to the business of shipownership and management.
He stressed that, "SOAN is set up to facilitate participation of Nigerian Shipowners in international fora on shipping matters through effective representation in such meetings"
The Starz Marine boss vowed that the new association will be used to set a road map for the Buhari-led administration.
Also speaking, the, Temisan Omatseye who is a former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the new association was set up by shipowners who know how the industry operates and know where the shoe pinches.
"Everybody here own vessels. We are shipowners ,we know where the shoe pinches and we will set agenda for the government"
"We are businessmen and we won't ask government for money, but tell them how to open up the industry."
And in a quick response to the emergence of SOAN, the President of NISA; Capt Labinjo said those who floated the new body are typical Nigerians, who after losing an election, they jump the ship. He said, other than seeking a new empire, he was at loss as to why they would float another body.
But, Engr Ogbifun explained further, that they only formed SOAN “to fill the gaps created by NISA”.
If the reasons adduced above by both Ogbeifun and Omatseye are all there is to the formation of SOAN, then, we don’t see any justification for SOAN.
Without prejudice, we don’t see any remarkable difference between the ‘objectives’ of SOAN and what NISA stands for. So, we strongly condemn empire-building.
We are aware that at the beginning of this crisis, those who wanted Labinjo out brought forth his ‘business-turned-soar’ relationship with the daughter of Chief Jolapamo. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is however investigating the case. On account this, Capt Labinjo was told by some members of the executive council to step aside as the association’s number one man.
Currently, a gentleman parades himself as the acting President of NISA.
As said earlier, those who currently flaunt SOAN were embattled over the conduct of the 2014 elections.
A few questions beg for answer here: Other than empire-seeking, why would a group of people who lost elections at NISA, hurry to float another , just months after losing out in the NISA elections of 2014? What is the position of those who asked Labinjo to step aside for an acting President on the birth of SOAN? . They have been curiously silent. Is there more to the Capt Labinjo/Chief Jolapamo relationship than we all know. If Capt Labinjo is so loathed by members of his association, why was he voted in as their President? And finally, why has the pioneer President of the association; Chief Jolapamo remained silent in the face of the various bashing that NISA is receiving.
The truth is: Capt Labinjo remains the president of NISA, until a case is filed against him and the Court nullifies his election!
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