ASIMPIN Refutes Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment To Unity In Maritime Sector

ASIMPIN Refutes Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment To Unity In Maritime Sector

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN) has firmly rebutted a recent report claiming that its leadership directed members to boycott Yoruba chairmanship candidates in upcoming ANLCA Chapter elections in the Western Zone.
The group stated this in a rejoinder made available to Premium News Daily:
“Re – Igbo Maritime Practitioners direct members to boycott Yoruba Chairmanship candidates”The group views the statement as,” A misleading information aimed at ridiculing the long existing healthy collaborations between the Odua Maritime & Ndigbo Maritime Practitioners.”
The disputed report, attributed to ASIMPIN’s National Secretary, Prince Okey Egbuchulam, and published by Daily Trend, misrepresented the views of ASIMPIN’s President General, HRM Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe KSM, JP.

According to the misleading article, HRM Eze Amb. Obianigwe allegedly urged Maritime/Aviation Practitioners of Igbo descent to vote exclusively for Igbo candidates in response to a supposed directive from the Oba of Ijora, which discouraged Igbo individuals from holding chairmanship positions.

In a strongly-worded statement,signed By Mr.Mcathony Onuoha, Head of Special Duties, the organisation condemned the report as a malicious attempt to sow discord between the Igbo and Yoruba communities. The organization emphasized that the directive did not originate from the office of the President General and disassociated itself from the false claims. ASIMPIN declared that the report was a product of detractors and enemies intent on blackmailing its leadership and disrupting the harmonious relationships in the maritime sector.

The President General, renowned for his inclusive leadership and adherence to the principle of “LIVE AND LET LIVE,” affirmed that the beauty of governance lies in allowing individuals the freedom to choose their leaders. He reaffirmed ASIMPIN’s commitment to national inclusiveness and condemned the misleading report as a deliberate effort to incite ethnic tension.

ASIMPIN urged the maritime community and the public to disregard the misleading report and called on those spreading false information to abandon their harmful agendas. The association remains dedicated to fostering unity and collaboration within the maritime sector, upholding the principles of fairness and inclusivity.