This clarification became necessary after certain online media outlets falsely alleged that the Naval Chief had refused to hand over to his successor. In a statement issued by the Director of Information, Commodore Ayo Vaughan, the Nigerian Navy denounced these claims as malicious and misleading.
According to the statement, the reports suggesting the refusal of Vice Admiral Zubair Gambo to hand over to Rear Admiral EI Ogalla are entirely false. The Nigerian Navy emphasised that the handover and takeover process in the organisation is procedural.
Upon the announcement of the change of leadership, the outgoing CNS is expected to provide a detailed briefing to the incoming CNS, conduct tours of key naval facilities, and perform the ceremonial lowering of the ensign.
The statement clarified that the program of events leading to the formal handover ceremony has already commenced and is set to culminate in a public ceremony on Friday, June 23, 2023, in accordance with long-standing naval tradition. It also highlighted that sister services have also scheduled specific dates for their own handover ceremonies. The Nigerian Navy urged the public to disregard the malicious publication and erroneous information, emphasising that it is a fabrication.
The appointment of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Navy's new Chief of the Naval Staff was made by Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, June 19, 2023. As per the established process, Rear Admiral Ogalla will assume his new role, succeeding Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. The Nigerian Navy reassured the public that the handover process is proceeding as planned, adhering to the organisation's time-honoured traditions.
The statement concluded by requesting the dissemination of this information to the general public, ensuring that accurate details reach all concerned parties and dispelling any unwarranted speculation surrounding the handover process within the Nigerian Navy.