JUST IN: Customs Consultative Committee Upholds ‘NEC-Mode’ for ANLCA Election

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has said that upcoming elections into the National Executive Council (NECOM) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) shall be conducted using the NEC-mode.

As the elections draw nearer, the two political camps of the Presidential aspirants of Dr Kayode Farinto and Mr Emenike Nwokeoji have been wondering which mode should be adopted in conducting the election.

Both camps have been sharply divided on whether the election should be conducted through an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or by Collegiate, which is done by executives of various chapters.

The CCC during its zoom meeting held on the 8th August 2023, equally canceled the recent appointment of former National Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila as Sole Administrator by the Board of Trustees (BOT)

A copy of the meeting communique titled “UPHOLDING THE TENETS OF THE 19TH JULY 2023 PEACE ACCORD RESOLUTIONS” signed by the CCC Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju was exclusively obtained by DAILY TREND on Friday.

“The Committee reviewed the two contentious issues in the constitution (the adoption of an “AGM” or “NEC” mode of election) which the two political camps are hinging on.

“CCC observed technical flaws associated with either of the model, however resolved to uphold that which is a near compliance to ANLCA constitution under the prevailing circumstances.

“In this instance, Committee also observed that in consistent with the constitutional provision and procedures, that only the NEC as being constitutionally composited and presided over by a National President has the power to swear in members falling under the category of NECOM.

“Against this backdrop, the Committee in its wisdom recognizes the phrase “Sworn in” (as an oath of allegiance) to mean that, an elected or appointed officers are duly sworn in by an elected National President as noted in Section 7 of the Constitution 2013, under the subtitle; “Powers Of The National President. “For emphasis sake, section 7, (1)(g & k):

which states inter alia, that:

7(1g) “The president to appoint and inaugurate members of special, standing and adhoc Committees or other officers where and when necessary”

7(1k) Swear in members of the chapter executive officers, appointees and other officers, other than the elected National executive committee( those usually swear in by the organisation lawyer).

“Therefore, in strict adherence to the ANLCA Supreme Constitution 2013 as was agreed, the Committee hereby pledges its full support to ASECO and urges ASECO to go on with a Constituted and sworn-in NEC mode of election, which includes the;

National President;

National Vice president;

National Secretary;

National Assistant Secretary; National Treasurer;

National Financial Secretary and National Publicity Secretary;

The Zonal Coordinator & Secretary West;

The Zonal Coordinator & Secretary East;

The Members of the Board Of Trustees; Members of ASECO;

The Chapter Executives (Chairman, Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer)”

The CCC urged members of the ANLCA BOT to support the Associations Electoral Committee (ASECO) to achieve on its mandate and to respect the Peace accord resolution of 19th July, 2023.

“While pleading with the BOT to give peace a chance, it is important to reaffirm here that the Committee too shall not shy away from the sole responsibilities of implementing the peace accord resolutions to its logical ends, which is to ensure that the ASECO conducts and deliver a transparent, credible, free and fair election on or before ending of August 31st , 2023” it states.

The CCC also urged all concerned to also adhere strictly to all agreements of the Peace Accord.

The Committee resolutely opposes in strong terms and vows never to support any act or antics from any quarters inconsistent with or alien to the Peace Accord Resolutions of the 19th July 2023.

“To this end, the appointment of an Administrator, either interim or otherwise is alien to ANLCA supreme constitution and the peace accord. It is a ploy by its proponents for the elongation of the election and inauguration time table. It therefore cannot stand and will not be allowed to stand” It said