The Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN) has strongly refuted claims that its leadership directed members to boycott Yoruba chairmanship candidates in the forthcoming elections of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Western Zone.
A statement purportedly credited to the National Secretary of ASIMPIN, Prince Okey Egbuchulam, and published by an online news platform, Daily Trend, alleged that ASIMPIN’s President General, HRM Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP, had instructed Igbo maritime practitioners to vote only for candidates of Igbo descent. The report suggested that this directive was in response to an alleged statement by the Oba of Ijora, which purportedly discouraged Igbo candidates from contesting chairmanship positions.
However, ASIMPIN has categorically debunked this claim, labeling it as false, misleading, and an attempt to sow discord between the Igbo and Yoruba maritime communities. In an official statement signed by Mcanthony Onuoha, Head of Special Duties at ASIMPIN Headquarters, the association dissociated itself from the report, describing it as a calculated attempt to blackmail its leadership.
The association clarified that its President General, HRM Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe, is a staunch advocate of peaceful coexistence and democratic principles, emphasizing the right of individuals to freely elect their preferred leaders without external interference.
ASIMPIN also expressed disappointment over Prince Egbuchulam’s involvement in the controversy, stating that he acted without proper consultation, thereby allowing himself to be misled by those with ulterior motives.
Furthermore, the association reiterated its commitment to national unity and inclusiveness within the maritime and aviation sectors. It urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard the misleading report, affirming that ANLCA remains a national body that thrives on diversity and equitable representation.
ASIMPIN concluded by calling on those spreading misinformation and attempting to tarnish the image of its leadership to desist from such actions, reaffirming HRM Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe’s unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and the collective progress of the maritime industry.