Navy: No controversy over handover to new naval chief… process will be concluded Friday

The Nigerian Navy says Awwal Gambo, outgoing chief of naval staff, will be handing over to Emmanuel Ogalla on June 23.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the navy, said reports on the refusal of the outgoing naval chief to hand over were untrue.

Ayo-Vaughan said the navy follows due process before handing over to a new administration.

“Suffice to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian navy from inception is procedural,” the statement reads.

“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.

“Accordingly, 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.”