From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has promised to complete the proposed Naval Base in Ogurugu, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State.
Vice Admiral Ogalla, also reiterated that his vision for the Nigerian Navy is to stamp out crude oil theft and other forms of maritime crimes from Nigeria maritime environment.
He spoke at the weekend, when he hosted members of Enugu Journalists Forum (EJF), at Nigerian Navy Headquarters Abuja, emphasising that he is determined to ensure that the mandate of the Nigerian Navy is achieved.
Represented by a Director, Real Admiral Akinola Olodude, he disclosed that the Nigerian Navy has established linkage, 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, 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, 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,” he assured.
Admiral Olodude described the CNS as a detribalised Nigerian, emphasising that no matter one’s religion, tribe or background, “he tries his best to be fair and to carry everyone along.”
He equally urged journalists to be objective in their reportage and avoid misrepresentation of facts and social media fake news.
Speaking earlier, EJF President, Malachy Uzendu, had told the CNS that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate him on his elevation, recalling that he is the second office from Enugu state to occupy such exalted position.
Uzendu commended him for the proposed establishment of a Naval Base in Ogurugu town in Uzo-Uwani LGA, appealing to him to do whatever humanly possible to ensure the completion.
“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 Igbo-Eze North where he comes from,” he noted.
The president equally called for level playing ground in the recruitment into the armed forces, wondering how graduates from South East who showed interest in joining the forces, including those with good grades, could be screened out for no just reason.
“At at the end of the day we hear military authorities saying people were not joining from the South East,” he regretted.