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The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday debunked reports that the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has refused to hand over to his successor, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla.

A statement signed by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said the alleged development was untrue.

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According to him, the Navy, like other military arms, was following the traditional procedure for handover of the mantle of leadership.

It said contrary to reports on the matter, the handover ceremony is scheduled for Friday.

“The attention of the Naval Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious publication by some online media and others alleging the refusal of the outgoing Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral AZ Gambo to hand over to the incoming Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla.

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“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.

“Suffice to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural. Upon the announcement of the change of the ‘Watch on deck’, the outgoing CNS is expected to give detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign,” it said.

It said the programme of events leading to the formal handing and taking over ceremony has kicked off to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday,’June 23, 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.

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“Members of the public are therefore advised to discountenance the malicious publication and erroneous information as a figment of the reporter’s imagination”, he said.

Arise News