The Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has praised the Chief of Naval staff, Emmanuel Ogalla and the Nigerian Navy for achieving breakthroughs in its campaigns against oil theft and arrests of criminals in the country.
CALSER also hailed Navy for its increased vigilance.
The Centre, at a press conference, on Wednesday, in Abuja, also applauded the Navy for their efforts in curtailing oil theft and loss of critical economic assets.
In his address, the Executive Director, Dr Uzah Thomas, said the giant strides recorded by the Navy are due to the exceptional leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
He said: “It would be recalled that upon assumption of office, the naval chief indeed hit the ground running by rejigging the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy to address the issues of crude oil theft and the safety of critical economic infrastructure on the country’s waterways.
“This much has been the case, and the gains recorded so far are tangible and far-reaching in addressing crude oil theft in the country. We wish to state that the Nigerian Navy has indeed risen to the occasion in maintaining a professionally competent and ethical naval force.
“This has translated to tangible gains in the war against crude oil theft, which hitherto assumed a dangerous dimension that resulted in severe economic losses to the country.
“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights views the efforts of the Nigerian Navy as commendable in recent times. It further indicates purposeful leadership by the Chief of Naval Staff, who, upon assumption of office, ensured that the Nigerian Navy is re-positioned to deliver on its constitutional mandate to the country.
“Therefore, it is no longer news that, in recent times, the Nigerian Navy has recorded outstanding success in the war against crude oil theft. Scores of vessels loaded with stolen crude have been intercepted, and operators of illegal refineries have been arrested and handed over for prosecution. If this tempo continues, crude oil theft will soon be a thing of the past.
“The Chief of Naval Staff has continued to display leadership. This attribute is needed to turn the country’s fortunes around for good. The example set in this case is worthy of emulation by those saddled with leadership positions in the country.
“It remains the position of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights that leaders in the country must always show dedication and patriotism. Their commitment to socioeconomic growth and development must be unwavering and unwavering if we desire to progress as a people and a country.
“The Nigerian Navy has set worthy examples in our quest for sustainable growth and development. This is highly commendable because the ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft would ultimately lead to an increase in crude oil production for the country, which would lead to improved revenue at the same time. This is also on the heels of the country’s significant earnings from crude oil.
“Undoubtedly, the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy indeed keyed into the new operational mandate introduced by the Chief of Naval Staff. Hence, the success recorded so far in the war against crude oil theft. This also indicates the pragmatic approach deployed to ensure total adherence to the new thinking and the new operational mandate introduced. “
The Centre, therefore, urged all relevant stakeholders to extend their support to the Nigerian Navy in the country’s war against crude oil theft.