Following the announcement of the replacement of the nation’s service chiefs by the presidency on Tuesday, Naval officers were seen in a viral video jubilating over the removal of their former boss, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas.
There was curiosity among Nigerians to know the exact reason for the celebration, which led to an investigation carried out by this platform.
Roots TV Nigeria spoke with a naval officer to ascertain the reason for the officers’ jubilation. The officer, who asked to be anonymous, said the major reason his removal was celebrated was because the former Chief of Naval Staff had overstayed his tenure.
He added that this position is meant to be based on a 2-year-rotation and if this is not done, it would deny others the opportunity to advance in their career.
Ibok Ekwe Ibas became the nation’s Chief of Naval Staff on July 13, 2015. He served in this
capacity for 5 years, thereby overstaying the expected 2 years service.
The naval source further said all security officials, including Nigerians, wanted change.
With these reasons, one begins to wonder what kind of legacy the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas left behind, and the kind of precedent the service chief’s extended tenures has set.
The naval officers and Nigerians hope that the new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo will effect better policies and devise more effective means to tackle the security challenges plaguing the country.
