Former National President and prominent figure in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayinwola Shittu, has expressed his lack of resentment towards any member of the association, this is even as he affirmed that he is committed to maintaining positive relationships with everyone.
Shittu conveyed this sentiment on Thursday when Dr. Kayode Farinto who is a presidential candidate in the upcoming ANLCA elections paid him a courtesy visit.
Farinto who led the team, praised Prince Olayinwola Shittu’s leadership qualities, emphasizing belief in his legacy, particularly the ANLCA National Secretariat, which he said his team aims to uphold.
Farinto explained the purpose of the visit was to highlight two key objectives. First, he informed Prince Shittu that the National Executive Committee had transferred the National Secretariat’s control to the Board of Trustees (BOT) after the Customs Consultative Council’s (CCC) two-week mandate. He urged Prince Shittu not to remain neutral and use his influence to rally support among his followers.
Secondly, Farinto introduced his team contesting in the NECOM election and sought Prince Shittu’s blessings. He praised the team’s ability to carry forward the positive legacies left by Shittu and appealed for his support.
In response, Shittu expressed gratitude for the visit and assured that he harboured no ill-feelings towards anyone. He dismissed rumors that his office was used for campaign purposes, stating he would not engage in such disputes as a leader.
Reflecting on the association’s history, Shittu recounted past issues that contributed to ANLCA’s present state, emphasizing that certain decisions were made without his input.
Regarding Farinto presidential aspirations, Shittu acknowledged his capabilities, but clarified that while he wouldn’t dictate the presidency, he would offer his support. Shittu discredited claims of favoritism and asserted his willingness to provide advice and guidance for the association’s betterment.
Shittu added that he hopes for ANLCA’s return to its prosperous past while also expressing ecstasy that the Customs Consultative Council (CCC) had issued new guidelines, stipulating that the NECOM election follow the ANLCA 2013 constitution’s guidelines and be conducted using the National Executive Council (NEC) collegiate voting system, rather than the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The election is set to take place before the end of August 2023.
