The immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. E. Ibas, on Friday informed his predecessor, Rear Admiral A. Z. Gambo, that there were still many officers of the Nigerian Navy conniving with illegal bunkers, sea robbers, oil thieves and other maritime criminals to undermine existence of the country.
Ibas, who stated this at Navy headquarters in Abuja when handing over formally to his successor, Gambo, described the officers’ actions as “sad and regrettable”, saying negligence of the officers at their duty posts aggravating challenges in maritime sector.
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While urging the concerned officers to make a turnaround promptly, he said he was still hopeful that they would ponder on his pleas and pursue a fulfilled and successful career.
He said, “I must at this juncture also spare a few words for the bad eggs among us. Like any other organization, the Service has its own fair share. I refer to all those who mindlessly subvert the system at every opportunity.
“Our experiences in their treachery of connivance with some criminal elements, complicity in crime commission, negligent performance of duty permitting aggravation of cases in some instances, the disrepute to the institution of the Nigerian Navy in their less than professional conduct through alleged unethical behaviours, marring the otherwise lauded efforts of our prosecution of infractions, were very sad and regrettable commentary in an otherwise glowing commendable and exemplary service from you all.
“I urge this band of undedicated personnel to please make a turnaround promptly, and reclaim traction to a fulfilled and successful career. I am still hopeful that you would, after pondering on this, reconsider your disposition, choose the path of honour, in clear appreciation of the essence of service to your fatherland.”
Ibas, in his that valedictory speech, maintained that his administration as naval boss, despite all the odds, had suppressed criminalities in the maritime sector.
On his part, the new Chief of Naval Staff, Gambo, vowed to ensure all legacies left behind by Ibas are built on with a view to repositioining the Nigerian Navy, saying he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve the country.
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