ANLCA Big Boys; Oforbike, Farinto, Mukaila Converge on Apapa, As Chairmanship Aspirant, Emeka Chukwumalu Concludes Electoral Campaign
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The big boys in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) including the former Acting President, Dr Kayode Farinto, former Western Zone Coordinator, Sir Alfred John Oforbike, the former Sole Administrator, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila, Vice President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Ojo Peter Akintoye, among others, on Friday converged at the popular Nnewi Building in Apapa, as the Chairmanship aspirant for Apapa chapter in the forthcoming election, Mr. Emeka Chukwumalu, held the grand finale of his campaign.
Our correspondent noted that, apart from Mr Ojo Akintoye, since the campaign for election into the various chapters of ANLCA commenced last year, these other gentlemen have not graced the campaign of any other candidate.
The massive turnout and attendance is a testament to the person of Mr. Chukwumalu, his Vice, Alhaji Jejeloye and indeed, all members of his team popularly known as Integrity Team.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Chukwumalu who described quality leadership as one of the characteristics that stood him out among the packs of people gunning for the same position, assured that if elected, his record as the hardest working Public Relations Officer, PRO of the chapter, would resonate. This is even as he promised to make ANLCA, Apapa chapter the envy of other associations.
“I have leadership experience to my advantage and many of you seated here know that my tenure will be the best thing that ever happened to ANLCA, Apapa chapter. We cannot afford to miss this unique opportunity”, he said.
Chukwumalu, who described himself as a well known member of ANLCA in Apapa chapter who did not need any introduction, observed that without boasting, he is an asset and not a political liability.
“ One of my potential is that I have a bundle of political energy. Whatever I do, I give it my best and am not given to excuses or discouragement. I am the man who does not take no for an answer
“As a focused leader, my eyes are always on what I intend to deliver. Recall that I was one of those who campaigned against the intimidation of clearing agents by the customs during the time of Abdullahi Dikko Inde as the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service. My goal is to create a level playing field for cargo clearing at the port.
“My record as a member of the task force team is there for everyone to see. I appreciate team spirit and believe so much in the slogan, Unity is Strength”, he stated.
Recalling how members approached him for this assignment, he said, “In the last year, some of you seated here made it a point of duty to constantly remind me of the forthcoming ANLCA chapter elections and why you wanted me to occupy the Chairmanship position of the Apapa chapter. I also shared my vision with some of you which made you believe that no better hand can take Apapa chapter to the next level at this time except Akwudoleze.
“Many of you agreed with me that the task ahead requires someone with my kind of experience to deliver the needed results. This is why I am standing before these honourable men and women because the ‘D’ is almost here. You convinced me to take up the challenge, but you must complete the assignment by voting me in.”
Other members of the Integrity Team include: Alhaji Rasaq Saheed Ishola as Secretary, Dona Nweze as Assistant Secretary, Sir Tony Anakebe as Treasurer, Olodan Abdulakeem as Financial Secretary and Chief Chima Idika as Public Relations Officer, PRO.
