ANLCA Chieftain Calls For Unity At Seme Border

Frontline freight forwarder and chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Custom Agents (ANLCA) Alhaji Mikky Okunola has called for unity and peaceful co-existence among members of the association operating at the Seme Border chapter.

This is coming on the heels of the just-concluded election of the chapter which has been described as the most controversial, next to the Tin Can chapter elections.

Even though he had vehemently kicked against the outcome of the results, saying that it was allegedly rigged massively, Alhaji Okunola has however towed the line of peace and has equally advised others to do same.

In a statement that was sent to Shipping Position Daily last week, the ANLCA chieftain noted that some members of the association are presently muting ideas of leaving ANLCA for other smaller associations.

"I noticed the body language of some leaders at Seme chapter who are nurturing the ambition of leaving ANLCA for AREFFN, NAGAFF or Council of Managing Director if their tribe man is not the Chairman. I think those who are thinking that way want to be kings in tiny islands, because I believe from the little I know that ANLCA is still rated as an Association to look at nationally" he said.

Okunola said that since the elections were concluded amidst controversies, the chapter has not remained the same and that there is an undertone of war and trouble at the chapter.

"We need to negotiate Seme Chapter of ANLCA. This has become imperative in the light of the “clear and present danger”, stressed, even as he added that: "Every day, we hear war drums, threats and counter threats. A few days ago, Arewa Maritime Forum in Seme Border threatened to withdraw its membership alleging marginalization. There is need for more commitment by all that matters in the Association for a genuine transformation that would bring about a desire peace and harmony in Seme Chapter of the Association. I hope, I am not asking for too much".

Even though he said that his camp has 'ceased fire' in the controversy surrounding the election, Alhaji Okunola however insisted that the election of 24th January, 2013 was fraudulent and that the Election Petition Panel had confirmed same.

Okunola particularly fingered the National Secretary of ANLCA, Dr Emma Opara for allegedly, “being most liable, and for his haven included fake unaccredited voters list into the election process.”

"The current election was marred because about 58 unaccredited companies were spirited into the Seme Chapter’s voters’ list which was aimed at enhancing Omaja (incumbent chairman) victory" he noted further.