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*CNS has no business with oil bunkering contract awards, Navy clarifies

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has described the allegations against the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as false, untenable, and baseless.

This is just as the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle, has pledged to investigate the allegations of corruption against the naval chief, stressing also that the allegations may be mischievous and frivolous.

An online report had accused the Naval Chief of releasing several oil tankers impounded for transporting stolen crude oil off Nigerian shores after receiving kickbacks in millions of dollars.

However, the Nigerian Navy, in a statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, denied the allegations against Ogalla, stressing that the CNS has no business with oil bunkering contract awards.

He said the arrested vessels mentioned in the report were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, clarifying that they have not been released as alleged.

The statement read: “The allegations that the Chief of the Naval Staff accepted over $170 million in bribes as well as alleged involvement in multi-billion-naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless and untrue.

“Firstly, there are clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention, and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment. It is not until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further action.
“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.”

Ayo-Vaughan also said it was not within the power of the Chief of Naval Staff to award oil bunkering contracts, adding that only the NNPCL had such power.
“The CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.

“Also, all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the Federation. The Nigerian Navy and her roles are an offshoot of the constitutional provisions and duly guided by extant laws and regulations of the land.

“The policing roles of the Navy empowered her to monitor the maritime domain of the nation. These among others include the arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019,” he added.

He accused some unarmed persons described as disgruntled elements who he said were feeling the heat of the several operations by the Navy of making efforts to blackmail Ogalla.

Ayo-Vaughan added that the elements had believed no individual could confront them, but following the operations, they had been put on their toes, adding that this had resulted in blackmail.

“The service is aware of the coordinated frantic efforts to blackmail the office and person of the CNS by some disgruntled elements who are feeling the heat of the Nigerian Navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain as well as those who have in one way of the order shortchanged the Navy before now.

“Specifically, the continuous rejuvenated operations towards curbing oil theft have given the oil thieves sleepless nights hence the decision to engage in the malicious publications. It would be recalled that the Nigerian Navy recently launched Operation Delta Sanity, which provided for a holistic, more robust roadmap towards the reinvigorated stance of the NN (Nigerian Navy) towards the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the Nation’s maritime environment.

“Indeed, the NN is aware of these antics as it is expected considering the current resolve of the NN to engage oil thieves head-on. The cartel 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,” the statement added.

He also promised Nigerians that the blackmail wouldn’t distract the service in their resolve to deny oil thieves freedom in the country.

“Pertinently, the NN will continue to ensure legitimate businesses in the maritime domain thrive seamlessly. Also, these distractions will in no way retract the NN’s resolve to confront these criminals who must be brought to justice for Nigeria’s economy to rebound. The security and economy of the Nation are greater than any group of persons that think they must continue to drain the country,” he explained.

The statement urged the members of the public to discountenance completely the malicious publication completely because it is totally untrue, completely baseless and a figment of the shallow imagination of the writer, his publishers, and their unpatriotic sponsors.

Matawalle Promises Investigation

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, has pledged to investigate the allegations of corruption against the naval chief.

A statement issued at the weekend by the Director of Information, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, stated that Matawalle while reacting to the allegations against Ogalla, said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has 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 levelled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious,” he said.

“Matawalle harped on thorough investigation, saying that it was imperative to emphasise the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of these claims,” he added.

Speaking on the source of information, he 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 for the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgements.

“In the light of the allegations, we assure the public that the Ministry of Defence will 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,” the statement added.