Naval Headquarters Dismisses Unfounded Allegations Against Chief of the Naval Staff
Naval Headquarters Dismisses Unfounded Allegations Against Chief of the Naval Staff
Naval Headquarters Dismisses Unfounded Allegations Against Chief of the Naval Staff
The Naval Headquarters has denounced what it refers to as an “unfounded, baseless, and malicious publication” by the Peoples Gazette, an online publisher known for its tendency towards blackmail, character assassination, and libel.
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The latest report from the Peoples Gazette alleges that the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, is involved in a multibillion naira oil bunkeringcontract-splitting fraud.
In a statement released by Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information, the Naval Headquarters categorically rejects the allegations, labelling them as untenable and untrue.
The statement clarifies several points to refute the claims made by the online publisher.
“Firstly, there are clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention, and release of vessels or individuals involved in maritime activities.”
The statement asserts that vessels implicated in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, as mentioned in the publication, are still under investigation, and none have been released.
Secondly, it clarifies that the CNS does not oversee or award oil bunkering contracts, as such decisions fall under the sole prerogative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Thirdly, the statement underscores that all contracts awarded by the Navy adhere to due process in line with the laws of the Federation. The Navy’s role, guided by constitutional provisions and existing laws and regulations, includes policing the maritime domain and arresting vessels contravening maritime laws and the SPOMO Act 2019.
The statement acknowledges the coordinated efforts to discredit the office and person of the CNS, attributing these efforts to disgruntled elements feeling the impact of the Navy’s intensified efforts against crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain.
The Naval Headquarters points out that the recent launch of OPERATION DELTA SANITY demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to combating oil theft and illegalities in the maritime environment despite the distractions.
Naval Headquarters Dismisses Unfounded Allegations Against Chief of the Naval Staff
