By Alumona Ukwueze

Traditional custodians in Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State, under the umbrella of ‘Coalition of Adada Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders,’ have described the allegation against Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as the handiwork of oil thieves and enemies of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday and co-signed by the Traditional Ruler of Umuopu Community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH, Igwe Cyril Ayogu, and the Chairman, Coalition of Adada Community Leaders, Chief Anthony Ugwu, the Coalition said that the mischievous elements behind the allegation against Vice Admiral Ogalla, have fed fat on illegal oil bunkering in the past and were no longer at ease with the positive reforms introduced by the Naval Chief.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu, for impartially appointing Ogalla, and other heads of the armed forces, they noted that there has been remarkable increment in national crude oil outputs since Ogalla’s appointment.

They equally called on the suspected oil thieves to desist from cheap blackmail but to join hands with President Tinubu, and Vice Admiral Ogalla, in moving Nigeria forward.

Part of the statement  titled “The Oil Thieves and the Smear Campaign Against Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla”, “Recently, we read about a petition against the Chief of Naval Staff, alleging illegal  crude oil dealing. After a thorough examination of all related publications, it became apparent that the allegations were the handiwork of oil thieves, enemies of Nigeria, and political enemies of the President, Bola Tinubu.

“It became obvious that these ignorant elements, who have profited in the mismanagement of the Nigeria assets are no longer at ease with the recent positive developments in discovery and demolition of hundreds of illegal oil bunkering activities and prevention of the siphoning of crude oil on the Nigerian waters.

“It is a common knowledge that since the appointment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as the Chief of Naval Staff, the media, both local and international, have been awash with unprecedented move against the oil thieves. On 25th December, 2023, Arise News reported that Nigerian Navy recovered about 803, 353 barrels of crude oil worth over 105 billion naira.

” The news went further to showcase something unusual, indicating a clear departure from the past. The Nigerian Navy under Ogalla didn’t just announce the amount of crude oil that was recovered but gave a detailed verifiable information on where and who were involved in the illegality.

” This is only tenable in a regime led by someone with integrity and dedication to duty like Ogalla.  Evidence abounds to show that Nigeria has started reaping the fruits of Ogalla’s impeccable efforts.

” In 18th January of this year, 2024, the Leadership Newspaper reported a significant increase in the nation’s crude output. According to the report, Nigerian crude output surged with 7.7% in December, 2023, an increase that brought Nigerian daily crude output closer to 2024 official estimate.

“It is obvious that this achievement was only possible because of the competent and dedicated leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff.  It is also obvious that those who have been stealing this crude oil are not happy. Hence,  they want the Chief of Naval staff to be removed so that they can continue to squander our collective heritage and national assets.

” We the traditional rulers and community heads from the beautiful contours of Adada River, wishes to use this medium to thank Mr. President, once more, for breaking the jinx in the appointment of the heads of our armed forces, and we are especially thankful for appointing our son, Ogalla.

“We are, however, much grateful to Mr. President for appointing the best to the position, judging from the recent developments in the Nigeria waters.

“We, therefore, call on the oil thieves and the enemies of this country to desist from cheap blackmail, repent, and join hands with Mr. President and the Chief of Naval Staff, and all other agencies of government, to move this nation forward.”