The Nigerian Navy, has refuted media reports claiming that the retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, refused to hand over to his successor, Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayo- Vaughan.
He described the alleged reports as total lies and falsehood. Stating that the narrative in the system of the Nigerian Navy is that any outgoing CNS should give a detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities, and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.
Adding that 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.
“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.