ANLCA BOTship is not an All-comers Affair, It’s for People with Integrity—Sunday Momoh

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Even as elections into the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) draws near, one of the aspirants, Chief Sunday Momoh, has called for a careful selection of candidates who possess integrity and a genuine commitment to the association’s foundational values.

“The BOTship of ANLCA should not be an all-comers affair,” said Chief Momoh in a recent interview with the media, emphasizing the need for a board composed of individuals dedicated to the association’s mission.

Chief Momoh, a member of the B-9 Likeminds group, outlined his motivation for entering the race. “Fortunately, the dream and desire of how I can support the cause of the association through serving on the board is what propelled me into this contest,” he explained.

Apart from Momoh, other members of the B-9 Likeminds are; includes; ⁠Demola Mumunney, Mohammed Sani Utai, Tunde Awonuga, ⁠Dayo Azeez, Taiwo Mustapha, Elochukwu Ernest, Dennis Okafor, and Kingsley Offor.

Reflecting on his long-standing involvement with ANLCA, he noted, “I have been a member of ANLCA for a very long time and have also been closely watching the affairs of the association. I realized that in the recent past, ANLCA has been deviating from its core values of our founding fathers.”

Addressing the 5-years internal crisis that bedevilled the association during the last administration of President Tony Iju, Chief Momoh attributed the challenges to a loss of focus on these core values.

“If you have been around for long, you would have noticed or heard that that singular loss of focus was what caused the crisis we are just coming out from,” he stated. He also pointed out the absence of a strong, unified board as a contributing factor.

“I noticed that for a very long time now, we no longer have a strong board that speaks with one voice. If we had a board that had the vision of our founding fathers, the crisis we are talking about wouldn’t have happened because the board is supposed to be the conscience of the association.”

Chief Momoh stressed the importance of having board members who are selfless and committed to the collective interests of ANLCA, rather than personal agendas. “The board parades very committed and selfless people, people who don’t project personal agenda or incentivize trouble,” he asserted.

“The board is not supposed to be for everybody; it is for people with self-esteem, people with decorum, with distinguished personalities, people who are prepared to serve and to make the collective interests their business.”

He further argued that respect for board members is crucial for maintaining the integrity of any organization. “That is why board members everywhere command respect; it shouldn’t be different in ANLCA, and if it is, we need to change the course and have a board that is focused and deserving of respect,” he stated.

Chief Momoh emphasized the need for a cohesive and proactive post-crisis board. “We need a post-crisis board that will work with one mind not only within itself but also with NECOM to make sure that we reconnect and realize the vision of the founding fathers of ANLCA,” he said.

“With like-minded board members, I will ensure that we are well guided and no crisis erupts, and if it happens, we will nip it in the bud before it becomes pronounced. It takes understanding, humility, and sacrifice, and that was why I told you earlier that the board is not for everybody.”

As the election date approaches, Chief Momoh’s appeal serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, dedication, and unity in the leadership of ANLCA, qualities he believes are essential for steering the association back to its core values and ensuring its future success.