Root out oil theft, bunkering in Anambra – Soludo urges Navy

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reassured his government’s willingness to partner with the Navy as well as supporting interventions for greater mutual output and safer region.

Soludo stated this while hosting the recently appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

He stressed the need for increased presence of the Navy in the State following prevailing oil theft and bunkering going on at the Ogwuikpele area of the state.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the Navy to uproot the criminals and profile them appropriately.

He said, “It has become existential threat in the South east, but with your strategic appointment, there is this voice, to uproot the criminals and profile them for who they are.

“We deserve to have a liveable and prosperous Anambra State.”

While congratulating the Naval Chief on his new appointment, which he said was greeted with much jubilation in the zone, the governor also commended the Navy and their formidable collaborations with other security agencies in the state.

“Although the service does not take cognizance of ethnicity in making appointments but uphold the highest form of professionalism and hierarchy, your appointment was greeted with much jubilation in the South East region and commended the President for the goodwill.

“I must commend the Navy and indeed, all security agencies operating in the state, for their sacrifices. The job they do is really a calling that should be respected,” he added.

Earlier, Vice Admiral Ogalla decried lingering sit at home order, just as he described criminal gangs parading themselves as people who dictate what happens as an aberration with tendency of drawing the region backwards.

He recalled that the Onitsha Naval Outpost was established with assistance from state government, assuring that they would redouble their efforts to ensure return of peace in the region.

Those present during the visit included Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. JPC Anaeto, Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Mr. Chikodi Anara, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security AVM Ben Chiobi Rtd, as well as senior officers in the Navy.