The recent removal of Mr Tope Fatimehin as Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Electoral Commission (ASECO) has sparked intense controversy within the association, raising allegations of internal manipulation and power tussles as chapter elections approach.
This decision, reportedly made by the ANLCA board due to “irreconcilable differences” has drawn a backlash, with some association leaders claiming it is a strategic maneuver to exert undue influence on the upcoming chapter elections.
Last week, ASECO released the timetable for elections across ANLCA’s chapters nationwide, with electoral activities commencing on November 4, 2024. Election dates are set for the Western, Eastern, and Northern zones on November 21, November 28, and December 5, respectively. The timetable, approved by ASECO Chairman Elochukwu Obiora and newly- appointed Secretary; Abayomi Ajibola, marked the start of campaign activities and nomination form sales, while November 15 is the submission deadline.
However, checks by our correspondent revealed that Fatimehin’s removal has been steeped in controversy, with sources within the association pointing to a deeper power play allegedly orchestrated by the ANLCA board.
The former ASECO Secretary, who had previously questioned certain ASECO actions, was reportedly ousted following his objection to the alleged forgery of his signature in a prior election dispute.
Fatimehin had openly denied signing a document suspending former ANLCA Secretary Babatunde Mukaila from contesting in the recent board elections.
This stance, sources suggest, contributed to his removal as an ASECO official, a decision now being framed as a punitive measure by some senior members of the association.
Reacting to the development, former acting National President of ANLCA, Dr. Kayode Farinto, denounced the decision as a “clear witch-hunt,” openly accusing ANLCA President Emenike Nwokeoji of relinquishing control to the board at the expense of fair electoral procedures.
Farinto did not mince words in his condemnation. He warned that continued interference by the board in the election process could provoke a backlash from members, potentially threatening the validity of the entire election cycle.
“Emenike is not behaving like the president of ANLCA,” Farinto remarked bluntly. “From what I see, it looks like the new board has seized the executive reins, acting as if they hold absolute powers within the association. ANLCA’s constitution is clear on the role of the board; they are to recommend members of good character for ASECO, subject to NECOM’s ratification. Once NECOM ratifies, only NECOM, led by the national president, has the power to dissolve ASECO and not the board. Their decision to unilaterally remove the ASECO Secretary shows a hidden motive, a dangerous disregard for our governing principles.”
Farinto went further, questioning the legitimacy of Fatimehin’s removal and implying that it signals an underlying scheme to manipulate the chapter elections. “When the board starts acting outside its bounds, especially on something as critical as an election, it raises questions. It’s as if someone is dancing naked in public. There’s an agenda at play here, and it’s not one that serves the best interests of our members or the association as a whole.”
“If they think we’ll sit quietly while they rig the election process to suit their ambitions, they’re sorely mistaken,” he stated. “The fact that we didn’t raise alarms over their maneuvers during the board election does not mean we’ll allow the same to happen in the chapter elections. I may be compelled to advise my supporters and members to pull out if these illegalities persist”, he threatened
Adding to the tension, Fatimehin himself described his removal as “pathetic,” maintaining that the board lacks the authority to dismiss him. In a conversation with our correspondent last week, Fatimehin labeled the decision a “blatant witch hunt,” aimed at silencing his stance on Mukaila’s suspension.
“I had nothing to do with the suspension of Babatunde Mukaila in the board election. My signature was forged, and I spoke up. Now, I’m being punished for it. I’ve written to the association’s secretary, Olumide Fakanlu, seeking an explanation. This whole ordeal is deeply flawed.”
