Nigerian Navy Debunks Allegation By Some Online Media of The Outgoing Chief of Naval Staff's Refusal To Hand Over

By Adetokunbo FAKEYE 

Nigeria, Abuja - The Nigerian Navy has debunked news by Peoples Gazette, opr.news, hallmarknews and others alleging that the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral AZ Gambo CFR has refused to hand over to the incoming Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla. 

Navy authority in a statement signed by the Navy Director of Information, Commodore AO Ayo-Vaughan described the news as malicious. 

It states: "The media reports are totally lies, misleading and capable of spreading falsehood to unsuspecting members of the public. It is therefore necessary to put 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 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 23 June 2023 in line with age-long naval tradition.

"Instructively, it is pertinent to mention that sister Services are also due to hand over as they have set aside specific dates for their handing and taking over ceremonies. 

"Members of the public are therefore advised to discountenance the malicious publication and erroneous information as a figment of the reporter’s imagination".