The Chairmanship aspirant for Onne seaport chapter in the 2025 Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, chapter election, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, popularly known as Onwa has vowed not to step down for any candidate.
Disclosing this Tuesday in a pre manifesto unveiling in his office in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Chief Isikaku emphasized the essence of experience and integrity as cardinal ingredients for successful leadership.
He said he has climbed the ladder of leadership positions in ANLCA, performed well at various times, the recent being the regime of Mr. Mike Ebeatu where he served as the Vice Chairman.
“I mean, who among the aspirants is more qualified than me?” Isikaku queried.
He insisted that the only position left to be occupied by him, since he joined ANLCA is that of chapter Chairman which he noted, he is ably qualified to clinch the position and will not step down.
Chief Isikaku, who strongly debunked speculations and insinuations making the rounds that, “he is pompous and difficult to access, averred, “most often than not, people who are not close to me decode a wrong impression about me. Am not a pompous person and I have never been.”
He added, ” Recall the previous election that saw the emergence of Mr. Mike Ebeatu, I had to humbly drop my chairmanship ambition then for the peace, unity and co- existence of ANLCA.”
Even as he noted, “Am a very accessible person, willing and ready to add values and impacts on people and situations aimed to create peace and a conducive working environment.”
On his relationship with Customs, taking into cognizance the alleged insinuations that customs will allegedly not be comfortable if he emerges as chairman, Isikaku, retorted, “The relationship I have with Customs Onne Area ll Command and Customs Headquarters is cordial and there’s no issue.”
He stated, “Working in a peaceful and conducive working environment won’t be an alibi to sacrifice the interest and welfare of Licensed Customs Agents at Onne seaport. Am a politician and my integrity must be upheld and preserved for posterity.”
His words, “I have worked with four ANLCA Chairmen at Onne seaport chapter at different capacities and with my wide wealth of experience in freight forwarding, I am the best candidate for the Chairmanship position.”
He emphasized, “The essence of a good Chairman is to be at the beck and call of ANLCA members as well as the assurance that members’ containers or cargoes are delivered on time without any hindrance.”
Isikaku maintained that having attended several trainings and being a member of several international maritime organizations and other local associations, he reaffirmed his unalloyed commitment and unwavering zeal to reform, reposition and create a more seamless operations and relationship with all stakeholders at the port particularly Customs.
On whether the same scenario which played out three years ago when he was asked to step down for Mr. Mike Ebeatu will repeat itself, he said he will not step down for anybody but other candidates should step down for him, as he is very much qualified to be the chapter Chairman at Onne promising to unveil his ten point agenda today Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Industry watchers are keen to know who will eventually emerge after the election slated for February 2025.
Photo: Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, Chairmanship hopeful for Onne seaport chapter of ANLCA.
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