By Mcanthony Onuoha
As court summons, denigration, verbal attacks and unwarranted criticisms persist to engineer the dismissal of Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike as National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), a freight Forwarder, and National Financial Secretary of Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), Hon. Isaac Ndukwe (Okwadike), has called for an end to such acts and rallies support for Nwabunike.
Recall that a court seating in Lagos recently ordered the ANLCA President and his Executives to stop parading themselves in office following a long standing suit filed against them by certain disgruntled members of the Association.
Since he was elected into office as the National President of the Association two years ago, Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike has been in and out of court, his tenure has been constantly bombarded with criticisms coupled with media attacks by some members of the association who have resolved never to recognize him as their National President. Some members have also roundly condemned the election that brought Nwabunike into office, describing it as fraudulent.
In a brief exclusive interview with the Prestige Blended Magazine on TinCan Island recently, Hon. Isaac Ndukwe outrightly condemned those who have vowed not to see Nwabunike succeed as ANLCA President, saying that their motive is a sinister one.
In his words, “Amazingly, among the pack of these critics and detractors of Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike are ANLCA chieftains of Igbo extraction. It is indeed a disturbing situation, why should a true lgbo indigene who really sucked his mother’s breast take it upon himself to work against his own brother who is in such exalted position. If Prince Olayiwola Shittu as a Yoruba man successfully completed his tenure of two terms in office with the full support of both his people and that of the Igbos, why not Iju Tony Nwabunike? Why has his occupation of ANLCA Presidency become a sacrilege? Why won’t he have some peace and quiet as he pilot the affairs of the Association? Why are his own people so embittered about his leadership? To me, it looks like spiritual bewitchment”. Ndukwe said.
Continuing, the National Financial Secretary of ASIMPIN urged those kicking against Nwabunike’s Administration to have a rethink and sheath their swords, ” Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike should be given the support he needs to succeed as ANLCA President, those Association Chieftains of Igbo extraction denigrating his office and insulting his person should bear in mind that one cannot sell his brother and expect his buyers to trust him. Washing their dirty linens in public will not do them any good since there is no issue that cannot be resolved. According to an Igbo adage, “iwe nwanne adighi eru na okpukpu”. It will also be recorded against them that they frustrated the administration of their own brother, and l think such record can never pass for a good commendation except in the coven of witches”.
Recall that Honourable Iju Tony Nwabunike emerged as National President of ANLCA in a very tough election, beating his opponent, Chief Emenike Nwokoji, in Enugu, Enugu State two years ago.
Hon. Isaac Ndukwe (Okwadike) passionately called well meaning Igbo indigenes to call those antagonizing Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike to order, saying injustice to one is injustice to all. He also added that at a very critical time like this, the Maritime Industry needs to be pointed in the right direction by leaders of various maritime associations.
“Enough of this unnecessary distraction, we need positive change in the Industry and not antagonism. Clearing Agents are not having the best of times, we need a lot of issues affecting us to be tabled and addressed accordingly. So they should allow Nwabunike to concentrate and join others to proffer solutions to some of these lingering issues”, Ndukwe said.
Ndukwe called upon ASIMPIN to fully intervene and put an end to the unnecessary distraction of their illustrious son, and also reminded them that if he fails as President of ANLCA due to unwarranted antagonism, it means the Igbos failed to deliver. He urged them to give Nwabunike the same support they gave to Prince Olayiwola Shittu during his tenure as ANLCA President.
