Emmanuel Ogalla: Group Reacts as Naval Chief Is Accused of Oil Theft

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to turn deaf ears to the oil theft allegation against the Chief of Naval Staff, VA Emmanuel Ogalla
• The navy chief is accused of conspiring in oil theft operations and contract splitting in the oil-rich region
• However, a coalition of civil society organisations has described it as a distraction by the real perpetrators of the act

Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro

FCT, Abuja - The Oil Producing States Progressives Association (OPSPA) and the Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) have expressed concern about a conspiracy by certain dissatisfied individuals to discredit Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff.

In a statement sent to journalists on Monday, January 29, the President of OPSPA, Tamunor Charles Wokne, said the rumoured allegations were an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and bunkering activities in oil-producing states.

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He said:

''In December 2023, the Anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Team intercepted MT Vinnalaris with 15,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil, leading to the arrest of 17 crew members.

''These efforts have contributed to an increase in crude oil production, reaching 1.6 million barrels per day in December 2023, leading to Nigeria being declared the Highest Crude Oil Producing country in Africa by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).''

Similarly, the President of CALSER, Professor Thomas Uzah, asserted that individuals involved in illegal oil activities target the Naval Chief in retaliation for impeding their unlawful operations.

He stated this during a press in Abuja on Monday, January 29.

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Uzah dismissed the accusations against Ogalla and the Nigerian Navy as mere fabrications by those behind the alleged plot.

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While commending the Navy's efforts to safeguard national assets in waterways, he cautioned that any further attempts to defame the Chief of Naval Staff would prompt a nationwide protest.

He said:

"We also wish to inform members of the general public to be circumspect about news stories about the Nigerian Navy. These are the handiwork of enemies of the country who have been diverting the commonwealth of the people.

"The efforts of the Nigerian Navy in recent times is such that has contributed immensely to socioeconomic growth and development. As such, it behoves well-meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Navy at this critical point of our existence."

Tinubu petitioned to probe oil theft allegation against naval chief

Meanwhile, pressure has been mounted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stage a probe against the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Ogalla is currently pinned with allegations ranging from oil theft to contract split.

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The Concerned Nigerian Group recently petitioned President Tinubu through the minister of defence to commence the probe immediately.

Source: Legit.ng