The House of Representatives Committee on Navy don express their displeasure with the Nigerian Navy for buying foreign projects without telling the parliament. This happen during a meeting on Monday in Abuja, where the Committee chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, address journalists after a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Navy.
Gagdi say that the naval authorities no respond to their letters asking for documents to help them oversee the Navy’s activities properly. He add that they need to see the projects and platforms being built before they can make any further comments.
The Committee also no happy with how the Navy handle the case of Seaman Haruna Abbas, who was dismissed after spending six years in detention without trial. Abbas’ wife cry out on a popular Abuja radio programme, Brekete Family Radio and Television, which lead to wide condemnation before the Navy try and dismiss him from service.
Gagdi explain that their visit to the Naval headquarters was part of their oversight function, saying they came to ask questions about how taxpayers’ money and presidential interventions are being spent by the Navy. He also mention the treatment of junior officers by senior officers and the case of Seaman Abbas.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, tell the committee that the Navy is facing several challenges, including inadequate resources to carry out its operations effectively. He add that beyond its military responsibilities, the Navy also police the waterways, supporting the Nigeria Customs which lack deep-sea policing capacity.
