Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd), will officially hand over to his successor, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, this Friday, The Navy has confirmed.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this is in response to circulating reports claiming that Gambo had refused to vacate his position.
The service’s spokesperson, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, dismissed the allegations and also clarified the established procedure for the handover within the Navy.
He emphasised that the process of handing over and taking over in the Nigerian Navy adheres to a well-defined protocol.
According to Ayo-Vaughan, it is customary for the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff, in line with naval tradition, to embark on several tours and provide comprehensive briefings to the incoming Chief before relinquishing office. Furthermore, as part of the ceremonial procedures, the outgoing Chief will also perform the symbolic act of lowering the ensign.
A statement released by the Naval Headquarters read, “The attention of the Naval Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious publication by some online media alleging the refusal of the outgoing Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo CFR, to hand over to the incoming Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla. The media reports are total lies, misleading, and capable of spreading falsehoods to unsuspecting members of the public. It is therefore necessary to set the record straight.
“Suffice to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural. Upon the announcement of the change of the ‘Watch on deck’, the outgoing CNS is expected to give a detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities, and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.
“Accordingly, the programme of events leading to the formal handing and taking over ceremony has kicked off to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday, June 23, 2023 in line with age-long naval tradition.”
Recall that the retirement and replacement of the Service Chiefs were announced on Monday by President Tinubu.
