The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced that thorough investigations will be conducted into the allegations leveled against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Matawalle underscored President Bola Tinubu’s firm stance on zero tolerance for corruption within the public service.
In response to a report by People’s Gazette, accusing Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla of involvement in unorganized bunkering of Nigerian crude and a multimillion-naira contract-splitting fraud, Matawalle stressed the necessity of a comprehensive and impartial inquiry to substantiate these claims.
In a statement released on Friday night by the Director of Press and Information for the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle reiterated the commitment of the administration to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces. While acknowledging the potential for mischievous allegations, he emphasized the gravity of the accusations against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Matawalle underscored the urgency of a meticulous and unbiased investigation to ascertain the accuracy of these claims. He acknowledged that allegations of this nature could significantly impact the reputation of individuals and institutions, urging the public to refrain from making premature judgments on the matter.
The statement affirmed the Ministry of Defence’s full collaboration with relevant authorities for a comprehensive investigation. It emphasized adherence to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that conclusions are grounded in concrete evidence and legal standards.
Acknowledging the media’s role in promoting transparency and holding public figures accountable, Matawalle called for responsible journalism that adheres to fairness, objectivity, and accuracy. The statement urged patience as the investigative process unfolds, expressing confidence that justice will be served in line with the rule of law.
