The newly-appointed Sole Administrator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Babatunde Mukaila, has shed light on his decision to accept the role, despite some criticisms from certain quarters.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent last week, Mukaila stated that his decision to become the Sole Administrator was driven by a combination of duty, commitment and a desire to rejuvenate ANLCA. He stated that he had initially contemplated stepping back from the responsibilities he had shouldered; however, upon reflection, he recognized the importance of his continued contributions to the association’s growth and development.
Mukaila expressed conviction in providing ANLCA with the necessary breathing space and affirmed his belief that his experience and expertise could play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the impending NECOM election.
As the conversation continued, Mukaila dispelled rumours of controversies surrounding his appointment, asserting that no such issues were at play. He clarified that his decision to accept the role was not prompted by any internal conflicts or power struggles. Rather, his commitment to facilitating the NECOM election process and his vision for a united and thriving ANLCA were the driving factors behind his decision to assume the role of Sole Administrator.
He said: “There are no controversies. I felt I should be on my way to rest. And when I saw that it is not over until it is over, you know, it was a reappointment. The first attempt, I felt there is no necessity. There is nothing. We don’t need it. And then we came back, and the board took over. And because I’m so passionate about giving ANLCA a new rebirth, giving ANLCA the space to breathe. And I see that I still have something to offer to make this NECOM election go through as planned.
“And I looked around and saw that most have to do with what I can offer within this August for this election to happen. I took the position because I believe we need to give ANLCA the opportunity to breathe. And I think I have something to contribute in these few days or weeks that I’m going to be here. And that is what impressed the reason why I took this offer and for us to go through the process of the election and let’s have a new substantive president.
Reacting to speculations that he and the immediate past acting President; Kayode Farinto have fallen adrift and his apparent absence from campaign activities of Farinto, a fellow aspirant in the NECOM election, Mukaila elaborated on his position as the National Secretary of ANLCA. He explained that his responsibilities compelled him to maintain a neutral stance during the campaign to uphold the integrity of his office.
He said his role in overseeing registration and documentation procedures for all aspirants, including Farinto, has prevented him from actively participating in campaign events.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to put these insinuations to rest. I am the National Secretary of ANLCA. The election protocol portends and suggests that every aspirant will need to come to the secretariat to do one thing or the other towards the documentation of their candidacy before the election.
“And I view that with all the sense of dignity and respect that my office portends; that this place should be open and everyone that wants to do registration will come to my office and Farinto, who has been my immediate boss, is running just like every other person that has to come here to document their documents.
“So how do you explain if I start jumping around with Farinto on the campaign trail? Do I leave this place closed? Do I want to follow him to the campaign ground? And maybe his opposition steps in here and says, ‘Where is the National Secretary?’ And they say he went for a campaign. How do you view that? So, my office comes with a whole lot of responsibility and that has guided my principle the way I handle things for ANLCA for the past five years.
“Unfortunately, I have an office that does not give me that luxury to be at the forefront of the campaign for anybody. It’s like if somebody in ASECO steps out to run for office and then the ASECO chairman is campaigning for an aspirant. How do you explain it? So that is what informed that. I hope I have been able to lay that to rest for everybody, all these political jobbers, who want to insinuate that there is a rift between us.
Also addressing speculations of bias in the post of treasurer and the contestants, Mukaila firmly dismissed any claims of favouritism. He underscored his principle of impartiality and reiterated his belief in allowing the most qualified candidate to emerge through a fair and democratic process.
*Watch out for full interview next week.
