Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Chief Philip Agbese has said investigation showed that the allegations leveled against the Nigerian Navy over oil theft was false.
DAILY POST recalls that there were allegations that some officers of the Nigerian Navy were involved in stealing crude oil.
A private company contracted by the Federal Government to survey the crude oil pipeline, Tantita Security Services Limited had also threatened to release a video clip that captured an alleged shady oil deal involving officers of the Nigerian Navy on the creeks of the Niger Delta region.
However, addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese said after an interaction with the “Chief of Naval Staff, the Flag Officers Commanding the various Naval Commands, and other senior officers of the Navy, it was established that the allegations were sponsored by unscrupulous persons with ulterior motives.
According to the lawmaker, the Navy deserves to be commended for their sacrifices in protecting the crude oil pipelines.
He called on the general public to disregard the allegations, stressing that the officers need support to continue safeguarding the maritime domain.
“We have interacted with the Chief of Naval Staff, the Flag Officers Commanding the various Naval Commands, and other senior officers of the Navy, and we are satisfied with their explanations and responses.
“We now expect that the Navy will ride on this vote of confidence to go after the oil thieves as it had always done.
“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard these allegations and support the Navy in its efforts to safeguard our maritime domain and curb illegal activities that some unscrupulous people want to thrive in these places.
“We also commend the Navy for its professionalism and dedication, and we assure them of our continued support and oversight,” he said.
Nigerian navy deserves commendation – Reps deputy spokesman, Agbese