WorldStage Newsonline– The Nigerian Navy (NN), has denied the involvement of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla in any fraud or shady deal.
According to navy spokesman, Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the allegation is a coordinated effort by disgruntled elements feeling the heat of the navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain.
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Ayo-Vaughan said the malicious publication would not deter the navy from continuing the battle to curb oil theft and give oil thieves sleepless nights.
He said only the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), not the navy, has the prerogative of awarding or overseeing oil bunkering contracts.
Ayo-Vaughan described as unfounded, baseless and malicious, the article published by an online medium alleging that the Naval Chief, was in trouble over multibillion naira oil bunkering and contract-splitting fraud.
He added that the allegations that the CNS accepted over 170 million Dollar bribe and was involved in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months were untenable, baseless and untrue.
According to him, there are clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment.
“It is until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further actions.
“Indeed, all arrested vessels mentioned in the publication that were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering are being investigated and none of such vessels has been released as alleged.
“Secondly, the CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.
“Thirdly, all contracts awarded by the navy follow due process in line with the laws of the Federation,” he added.
Ayo-Vaughan said the Nigerian navy would remain guided by extant laws and regulations, and discharge its role of monitoring Nigerian maritime domain and arrest of any vessel that contravene the law.
He said that the launch of OPERATION DELTA SANITY has scared oil theft cartels which hitherto believed no individual could confront its ranks.
“Fortunately, the recent achievements of the NN in this regard have put them on their heels hence the resort to cheap blackmail through immoral and compromised online media publishers,” he added.
Ayo-Vaughan assured that the navy would continue to ensure that legitimate businesses in the maritime domain thrive seamlessly.
He added that the malicious publication would in no way deter the Nigerian navy in its resolve to confront criminals sabotaging the nation’s economy.
He said that the security and economy of the nation was greater than any group of persons that think they must continue to drain the country.
“Accordingly, members of the public are therefore enjoined to discountenance completely the malicious publication.
“It is totally untrue and completely baseless, being a figment of the shallow imagination of the writer, his publishers, and their unpatriotic sponsors,” he said.
INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has pledged to investigation the corrupt allegations against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.
According to Ogubike, Matawalle said this while responding to the allegation against the Naval Chief.
Matawalle noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had a zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.
“Though these allegations might be mischievous, the Ministry of Defence is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The allegations leveled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious,” he said.
He harped on thorough investigation saying that it was imperative to emphasise the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims.
Speaking on the source of information, the minister said “we respect the role of the media in fostering transparency and holding public figures accountable.
“At the same time, we urge responsible journalism that adheres to the principles of fairness, objectivity, and accuracy.
“Accusations of this nature can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgments.”
He further assured the public that in the light of the allegation, the ministry would collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“We remain committed to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that findings will be based on concrete evidence and legal standards.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security.
“We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trust that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law,” he further said.
An online media platform had raised serious allegations against the Naval Chief.
The medium had alleged Ogalla’s involvement in multibillion-naira oil bunkering, and contract-splitting fraud.
