The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) is again embroiled in a deepening crisis within its Airport Chapter, following allegations of witch hunts, power struggles, and legal maneuvers.
The controversy centers around the leadership at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Cargo Chapter and the alleged attempts to oust its current chairman, Prince Bamgbala Adewusi.
Despite claims by the ANLCA leadership that there are no crises within the association, recent events suggest otherwise.
The ANLCA President; Emenike Nwokeoji, had in a recent press conference publicly accused certain members of instigating trouble within the association.
While also distancing himself from the appointment of new chapter executives at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Cargo Chapter, attributing the decision to a court ruling rather than his own authority.
However, in what appears to be a concerted effort to remove Prince Bamgbala Adewusi from his alleged position, Emenike Nwokeoji has instructed the association’s legal counsel, D.A. Awosika & Partners, to withdraw from an ongoing court case. The case in question, labeled “Suite NO: CA/LAG/CU/1045/23 Pending in Court of Appeal between ANLCA & ORS V. Alhaji Lasisi Fanu Bisiriyu & ORS,” pertains to the disputed chapter elections.
In a letter dated May 2, 2024, cited by our correspondent, Emenike Nwokeoji directed the withdrawal of the lawsuit.
This is even as the ANLCA President confirmed to our correspondent, that the NECOM indeed wrote to the lawyer to withdraw from the lawsuit at a recently held press briefing.
This move our correspondent gathered has raised questions among members about the authority of the NECOM to make such decisions, particularly when the case was initiated by the ANLCA Board of Trustees (BOT).
Additionally, the resurgence of Akindele Pius Tope, a figure previously involved in the legal dispute, adds complexity to the situation. Despite previously withdrawing from a lawsuit and issuing an apology to the NEC, Tope has reappeared as a candidate for the chairmanship of the MMAC chapter recognised by the current NECOM led by Emenike Nwokeoji .
This development, some aggrieved members of the association at the Airport chapter said, raises concerns about the adherence to ANLCA’s constitutional procedures and the integrity of the electoral process.
Further findings by our correspondent revealed that the controversy surrounding the MMAC chapter election of 2022 has added fuel to the fire.
Despite the election results confirming Prince Bamgbala Adewusi as the rightful chairman, efforts to remove him from office still persist.
Adewusi, in a telephone chat in response to the mounting pressure to oust him, called for justice and urged ANLCA members to defend the association’s constitution and principles.
