By Yusuf Odejobi
Amid the numerous security challenges across various states in the nation, the Nigerian Police has been encouraged to maintain peace and order at the nation’s port environment.
The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike stated this when he visited the Ports Commissioner of Police, CP Cyril Okoro in Apapa, yesterday.
Nwabunike, while commending the Police for maintaining order at the port environs, noted that the growing security threats across the nation meant that the Police would have to up the ante to guarantee peace at the ports.
The ANLCA boss also admonished all freight agents to eschew violence and embrace peace despite their differences in the association, noting that their collective love and commitment to the industry growth should prevail.
Nwabunike who also led the National Executives to the Apapa Chapter for a solidarity visit to members of the association, moved with the Apapa team to the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Security (DSS) in the Apapa port.
The ANLCA President stressed that due to volatile state of security in the nation, all grievances should be channeled appropriately as security operatives won’t entertain any form of demonstration.
While addressing members of the association, he assured them that the executives are aware of the challenges they’re facing and stated that it was part of the reasons for the visit to Customs, Police and DSS.
His words: “We’re very conscious of the problems you’re facing here. Very shortly there is going to be a turn around is clearing goods at the port, we’re taking care of all issues in accessing the port, examinations and multiple alerts. I want everyone to be calm and be law abiding clearing agents.”
The highlight of the visit to the Police and DSS was the introduction of the new executives of the Apapa Port Chapter of ANLCA to the Port Commissioner of Police and Director of DSS.
However, in his speech the Port Police Commissioner, CP Okoro noted that the seaport is a cash cow for the Federal government but lamented that revenue keeps dwindling for many reasons.
Okoro, therefore, admonished all stakeholders to shun hooliganism and thuggery as it may further cause damages for everyone.
The Police CP noted that he has been enjoying a peaceful tenure because of the way and manner past ANLCA executives have conducted themselves.
His words: “You have every right to demand for what you want within the limit of the law. I always tell people to channel their grievances in a peaceful manner because the environment is such that hooligans are out there waiting for people to provide opportunity for them to throw the state into chaos. So, we thank you for the way you’ve been conducting yourself. You have not dragged us to fight you and I pray we continue to maintain this peace.”
