Authorities of the Nigerian Navy, Wednesday debunked insinuation in some media alleging that the outgone Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo refused to hand over to his successor Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, describing it as total lies and falsehood.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo- Vaughan said that since inception,  hence, the outgoing CNS is expected to give a detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.

Commodore Ayo-Vanghan said, ‘The attention of the Naval Allegation of Outgone CNS’s Refusal to Hand Over Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious publication by some online media, 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.

“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.

“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 23 June 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.

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

(Vanguard)