Economic Sabotage: Naval Chief vows to sanction corrupt officers

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Awwal Gambo, has vowed to sanction personnel caught sabotaging the nation’s oil and gas assets.

Gambo made this known while addressing officers and ratings during his maiden inspection of facilities at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He said that discipline would remain the foundation of military service under his command.

“Under my tenure, I shall monitor your (personnel) activities and evaluate your performance to determine your continued relevance.

“Accordingly, I shall not hesitate to relieve anyone of their appointment without notice if found wanting, and replace them with more competent staff.

“Hence, established policies and measures to sanction personnel that collude with economic saboteurs, drug traffickers and barons, bandits and armed robbers shall be strengthened.

“However, navy personnel that exhibit high integrity and positive attributes that portray the Nigerian Navy in good light shall be rewarded handsomely,” he said.

Gambo said the navy headquarters had already begun expanding and decentralising its administration processes and levels of authorisation to meet with the current security challenges in the country.

He added that efforts were being made to reorganise the navy engineering branch for optimal performance.

According to him, personnel of the engineering branch would obtain requisite training to enable them undertake basic first line maintenance of old and new naval warships and boats.

“The personnel will be trained because I have observed a seemingly lackadaisical attitude amongst our technical officers and ratings, leading to use of vendors to maintain and repair navy platforms.

“The Nigerian Navy’s public image and perception shall be reinvigorated in conjunction with the Defence Headquarters to enhance public perception of the enormous efforts being made by the service,” he said.

Gambo gave an assurance that his administration would focus on improving the welfare of personnel to enhance their patriotism, productivity, innovation, commitment and dedication in carrying out their duties.

He said the navy would also promote inter-service cooperation as well as partner and engage both local and international maritime stakeholders to secure the nation’s waters. (NAN)