A group of former leaders and senior executives of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industry and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) are calling for the removal of its President, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga. They accuse her of secretly setting up and joining a rival chamber, the Greater Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce. The demand was made during a stormy expanded council meeting in Port Harcourt. The aggrieved members claim that Nwoga used the chamber's resources and identity to register the new body.
The allegations against Nwoga include registering the rival chamber without the approval of PHCCIMA's council, executive committee, or members. The new body allegedly obtained recognition from the national chamber without PHCCIMA's approval. The former leaders and senior executives want the First Deputy President to take over pending an investigation. They argue that a competing chamber cannot be allowed within PHCCIMA's 69-year-old jurisdiction.
Billy-Gillis Harry, a former PHCCIMA president and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, expressed concerns about the rival chamber. He stated that the recognition was obtained in error and would be challenged. Harry also revealed that the council had moved a motion for Nwoga's impeachment and the appointment of the First Deputy President in an acting capacity.
Chief Emmanuel Ogbonda, the Financial Secretary and immediate past Treasurer, alleged that Nwoga used the chamber's materials in setting up the new body. He claimed to have documents showing her as its first director and that she paid two years' subscription. Ogbonda's allegations add to the growing list of grievances against Nwoga.
Dr. Chinyere Nwoga has rejected the allegations, stating that her membership of another chamber is not misconduct. She challenged her accusers to cite any provision of the PHCCIMA constitution barring a sitting president from belonging to another chamber. Nwoga also alleged that Harry had earlier championed the registration of other chambers, including the Kalabari and Degema chambers of commerce.
The dispute has created tension within PHCCIMA, pitting the factions against each other over the legality of the alleged rival chamber, the council's authority, and the president's constitutional powers. The situation remains unresolved, with both sides yet to reach a compromise. The outcome of the crisis may have implications for the chamber's operations and reputation.
The crisis has sparked concerns about the potential impact on PHCCIMA's activities and the business community in Port Harcourt. The chamber's ability to effectively represent the interests of its members and promote economic growth may be affected by the internal conflict. The situation will likely be closely watched by stakeholders, including the national chamber and the business community.
Key points
- PHCCIMA president Dr. Chinyere Nwoga faces allegations of setting up a rival chamber.
- Former leaders and senior executives of PHCCIMA are seeking her removal.
- The crisis has created tension within the chamber, with implications for its operations and reputation.
