A pressure group within the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), which called itself the ‘Integrity Group’ has faulted the outcome of the recent election of executives in the association. This is even as they have submitted that reversing the elections might be an option to set the association back on the path of credibility.
The Integrity Group was formed by some members of the NISA on the basis of picking holes in the alleged anomalies in the elections.
In a chat with our correspondent last week, a member of the NISA Integrity Group, Captain Taiwo Akinpelumi noted that the group was formed to reposition the association, adding that they are tired of the status quo where the association is not being regarded or recognized.
Akinpelumi stressed that the group is majorly concerned with following due process according to the dictates of the constitution of the association. He also noted that conducting a fresh election might be an option to be considered, if that will restore credibility to the association.
In his words: “What we are saying is that things have to be done properly. We have to be seen to be following due process and observing the dictates of the constitution and that is what the Integrity Group is all about. That is how people can take us seriously in the industry. We are tired of the status quo where our association that is the Nigerian Ship owners Association is not being regarded or recognized.
“We want to reposition that association so that people will take us seriously. We need a major paradigm shift and that is what we are canvassing. We are not attacking any individuals or having any issue with anyone”.
Reacting to the association conducting another fresh election, Akinpelumi said “of course, if that is what will bring us to the path of credibility, so be it”.
Also speaking, another member of the group, Otunba Sola Olatunji said the controversies in the association are just mere disagreements and not ‘warfare’. He added that the group is about restoring transparency, probity and integrity to the association.
Olatunji also alleged that the election process was flawed with glaring infractions. He stressed that reversing the elections will not be an impossible task and that nothing is sacrosanct in a flawed election.
Olatunji said the group is more concerned with the topical issue of the suspension of the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) by the National Assembly.
According to him, it is a factor binding everybody at the moment and tearing down the association would not be the best approach to achieving a collective goal among ship owners.
“As I said, no one is fighting anybody. It is not a backstabbing war. It is about the issue of letting us drive industry integrity because, with integrity, we are close to prosperity. We would be exposed to opportunities both local and international where people will have to find out our compliance, procedures and all the rest of it. We (Integrity Group) are talking about transparency, probity and integrity of our abilities. We have to ensure compliance with our processes. It is just a mere disagreement. It is not warfare.
If the process has been flawed and a group is saying No, let us do it like this, there will be a forum for discussion. It is glaring that there were infractions. Of course, there is nothing irreversible. Nothing is sacrosanct. If something is flawed, it is flawed. And reversing it will not be an impossible task; that I can assure you.
“Nothing is impossible in this world. It is an association and nothing stops us from correcting ourselves. That is the way to go. We are only trying to sanitize the association with integrity, so that we can become the toast of everybody in the maritime industry, both local and international levels. That is the philosophy behind it.
Reacting to the allegations of the group trying to seek redress at the Court, Olatunji said “as far as I am concerned, you will need to await the report first. I don’t want to say anything else. I would say “let’s wait on that”.
On his part, a chieftain of the association who lost the presidency, Mr Jegede Paul stated that there is a need to set things right in the association.
Jegede noted that he is still in good standing as a member of the association and a serving member in one of the committees. He noted that the association will not be respected if there is in-fighting due to a lack of integrity and straightforwardness.
He however called on members for a round table discussion to reconcile and address the lingering issues rocking the association.
“The Integrity group is just concerned with everything being done based on integrity and the constitution must be followed. That is why we can gain the respect of the people that we would be dealing with Government agencies and others. If there is infighting due to a lack of integrity and straightforwardness in doing things; who will respect the association? So things have to be done properly.
“There would be a discussion. The people will come together. They will come to the table and reconcile. Things have to be done properly that is all. Yes, we are in good tune. The President has reached out to me and I am still serving as a committee member. So, I don’t have any problem. I am still a member. For me, there is no issue” Jegede concluded.
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