ANLCA BOT crisis: Njoku writes National President, ASECO Chairman

…Warns against recognition of Mustapha as BOT Chair

The embattled Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Association of Nigerian License Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Henry Noku has advised the National President of ANLCA, Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike not to recognize the new leadership of the BOT headed by Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha warning that doing so would amount to taking over the function of the Federal High Court by the National President and determine ahead of the Court the case before it.

In a letter addressed to Nwabunike and dated July 23, 2018, Njoku reminded him of the consequences of such action which according to him would be cited against him (Nwabunike) for contempt of court.

He pointed out that as a concerned Chairman of the association’s BOT, he would never standby to watch the misinterpretation of the ANLCA’s constitution that erupted among the members of the Board to destroy the only umbrella that covered their trade in Nigeria.

“I hereby urge you to stand by your oath of office and take a decision that will serve the best interest of justice and ANLCA otherwise history will indict your administration tomorrow.

“Consequently, since a concerned group has already filed a suit before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos in suit no. FGC/L/CS/1177/2018 seeking a binding judicial decision on the propriety or otherwise of the said election of the BOT leadership, I demand the following:

1. That every action and counter action with respect to the election and assumption of office thereof be stayed forthwith pending the court’s final decision on all issues in controversy.
2. That status quo be maintained, that is standing on the existing leadership before the misinterpretation of our constitution otherwise you will be infringing or interfering with the constitutional powers of the court to solely determine any case before it.
3. If you recognize the purported new leadership headed by Alh. Taiwo Mustapha, it means that you have taken over the function of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos and determine ahead of the court the case before it. The consequence of this is that you will be cited for contempt of court, you have been warned.
4. You may on the other hand, in conjunction with responsible members of ANLCA apply to the court for an out of court settlement which will prepare the BOT for the forthcoming constitutionally recognized election in 2019 marking the end of its six year tenure.

“Finally, note that it is anarchy to run a parallel BOT leadership in ANLCA, so act fast and save ANLCA from this looming danger and posterity will vindicate you”, he said.

In another letter he addressed to the Association Electoral Committee (ASECO) Chairman, Njoku observed that it had never happened in the history of the association that an election within ANLCA will be conducted at any level or structure without ASECO conducting it adding that the supreme  constitution of ANLCA empowered only the body to conduct the association’s elections hence any election into any office not conducted by ASECO is illegal and that no assumes office unless such a person had taken oath of office.

“Consequently, since a concerned group has already filed a suit before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos in suit no. FGC/L/CS/1177/2018 seeking a binding judicial decision on the propriety or otherwise of the said election of the BOT leadership, I demand the following:

1. That ASECO should not take instructions from the purported new leadership headed by Alh. Taiwo Mustapha forthwith pending the court’s final decision on all issues in controversy.
2. That status quo be maintained, that is standing on the existing leadership before the misinterpretation of our constitution otherwise you will be infringing or interfering with the constitutional powers of the court to solely determine any case before it.
3. If you recognize the purported new leadership headed by Alh. Taiwo Mustapha, it means that you have taken over the function of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos and determine ahead of the court the case before it. The consequence of this is that you will be cited for contempt of court, you have been warned.

“Finally, note that it is anarchy to run a parallel BOT leadership in ANLCA, so ASECO should use its constitutional powers to ensure that justice is not only done but adequately seen to have been done in this matter”, he added.

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