In a grave rebuke of the Nigerian Navy’s leadership, the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a strongly-worded statement expressing a vote of no confidence in the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The statement released, cited alarming reports of criminal activities allegedly involving naval personnel, including crude oil theft, diversion of crude oil shipments, and providing security escorts for crude oil thieves operating on the nation’s waterways.
The NDYC emphasized the Navy’s fundamental duty to secure maritime domains, safeguard national resources, and ensure the safety of all maritime operations. The organization condemned any involvement in illicit activities as a direct sabotage of the nation’s security apparatus, economic stability, and the efforts of the government under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We are deeply disheartened by the recent revelations of criminal activities within the Navy, which are tantamount to sabotaging the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu administration and bringing the Nigerian Navy into disrepute,” the statement read.
Citing a recent criminal incident involving MT PRESTIGIOUS and MT MONTAGU on May 3, 2024, the NDYC urgently called for comprehensive investigations into these allegations and any other alleged wrongdoings. The organization stressed the imperative need to hold those found culpable accountable through appropriate legal channels, serving as a deterrent and restoring the integrity of the naval forces.
“At a time when our country is in desperate need of all available resources to alleviate the suffering of the masses and stabilize the economy, it is incredibly saddening and unacceptable for such activities that not only undermine the efforts to stabilize our economy but also exacerbate the suffering of the Nigerian people to be taking place,” the statement added.
The NDYC vehemently denounced the alleged scandalous activities within the Navy under Vice Admiral Ogalla’s leadership, calling for swift and decisive action to rectify these egregious transgressions and promote lawful and sustainable maritime activities for the benefit of all Nigerians.