By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has again emphasized that stamping out crude oil theft, piracy in the country territorial waters, and the general insecurity are his main priorities as he pilot the affairs of the Navy in Nigeria.
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Vice Admiral Ogalla, who gave these hints weekend while playing host to members of Enugu Journalists Forum (EJF), also assured that the proposed Naval Base in Ogurugu, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State will become a reality.
Represented by Real Admiral Akinola Olodude, Director, Plans at Nigerian Navy Headquarters Abuja, Ogalla reiterated his determined to ensure that the mandate of the Nigerian Navy is achieved, disclosed that the Nigerian Navy has established linkage, and is in synergy with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce and other relevant maritime security agencies, for adequate protection of the nation’s territorial waters.
“The CNS, immediately after he took over, within a short period of time, he undertook tour of the South East states. He met with South East governors, he visited each one of them, to discuss the issue of insecurity in the region.
“Even though he was on state assignment during the South East Security Summit, but he made sure he sent a representative.
“The Naval Base in the South East is something that is very important and very dear to his heart. Definitely, it will see the light of the day,” the CNS stated.
He described the CNS as a detribalised Nigerian, noting that no matter one’s religion, tribe or background, “he tries his best to be fair and to carry everyone along.”
He urged journalists to be objective in their reportage and avoid misrepresentation of fact.
The President of the EJF, Chief Malachy Uzendu, had told the CNS that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate him on his elevation, noting that this is the second time somebody from Enugu State is occupying such position.
Chief Uzendu commended him for the establishment of a Naval Base in Ogurugu town in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, appealed to him to do whatever that is humanly possible to ensure that it becomes a reality.
“We believe that establishing a Naval Base in that part of the country will help to resolve the issues of insecurity.
“Enugu State is one state where there had been peace until recently, because of bad elements especially in Igboeze North where the CNS comes from,” he noted.
The president equally called for level playing field on the recruitment into the armed forces, wondering how graduates from South East who showed interest in joining of the forces, even those with good grades, could be screened out for no just reason.
“At the end of the day we hear military authorities saying people were not joining from the South East,” he regretted.
