By Bon Peters
Chairmanship aspirant of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport chapter in the 2025 election, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku (Onwa), has vowed not to step down for any candidate.
Disclosing this 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 in the regime of Mr. Mike Ebeatu, serving as his vice chairman.
“I mean, who among the aspirations 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. I 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, “I’m 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 alleged insinuations that Customs are allegedly not comfortable if he emerges chairman, Isikaku, retorted, “The relationship I have with Customs Onne Area II, Command and Customs Headquarters is cordial and there’s no issue”
He stated, “Working with a peaceful and conducive working environment won’t be an alibi to sacrifice the interest and welfare of Licensed Customs Agents at Onne seaport.”
“I’m 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 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 in time without any hindrance.”
Isikaku, maintained that having attended several trainings and 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 tomorrow Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Industry watchers are keen to know who will eventually emerge after the election slated for February 2025.
