Navy Chief Vows to Sanction Corrupt, Erring Personnel

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, has warned that officers and ratings found guilty of gross misconduct would be dismissed from service.

Oluwole gave the charge on Tuesday while addressing troops during his familiarisation tour of navy formations and units in Port Harcourt.

He said severe sanctions would also be meted out on personnel found to be involved in corrupt practices and total disregard to military laws.

He said: “Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance to criminality, indiscipline, disobedience of military laws and lack of respect for the rule of law.
“I have a dislike for indiscipline. commanders will be empowered to do summary trials according to military regulations.

“Personnel will get what is due to them – but are expected to give what is due to the Nigerian Navy.
“I’m going to be fair and firm to ensure that every one of us must only offer solution to Nigeria, and not pollute the nation.”

Oluwole said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, had prioritised welfare, training and re-training, and provision of accommodation to boost morale of personnel.
He said more gunboats and other military hardware were being acquired to enable troops to secure the nation’s waterways.

According to him, all these are geared towards ensuring that the core areas of naval operations are well taken care of to safeguard the nation’s maritime environment.
Oluwole urged personnel to have the fear of God and to do what is right in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“I’ll direct commanding officers that when sending gunboats on operations and when returning from sea; personnel must pray and commit the operation to God.
“This is because without God, we are all bound to fail in our endeavours,” Oluwole said.
The FOC called on personnel to come up with ideas by way of research and development to improve the navy.