Naval Chief Zubairu Gambo Defies Transition Protocol, Prioritizes Billions in Contractor Payments over Handover to Ikechukwu Ogalla
Naval Chief Zubairu Gambo Refuses to Relinquish Power, Prioritizes Contractor Payments Over Handover
It has come as a shock as Chief of Naval Staff, Zubairu Gambo, has defied the transition protocol and declined to hand over power to his successor, Ikechukwu Ogalla. Instead, Gambo insists on settling outstanding payments amounting to billions with contractors before vacating his position. This decision comes following President Bola Tinubu's recent approval of changes within the nation's military leadership.
Gambo, aged 57, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, was dismissed by Tinubu on Monday along with the chiefs of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force. While the other service chiefs have complied with the presidential directive, Gambo has remained in office, citing unfinished business as the reason for his delay in stepping down.
Sources within the Nigerian Navy headquarters reveal that pleas have been made to Gambo to comply with the president's order and make way for his successor. However, the naval chief claims responsibility for the release of funds to the Nigerian Navy and insists on personally overseeing the payments to contractors and naval officers, despite assurances that these obligations will be met by the navy.
This unprecedented situation has caused uncertainty within the naval service, with officials emphasizing that any actions taken by Gambo after the president's public announcement hold no validity. Additionally, Gambo expressed his intention to oversee the allocation of millions of dollars for emergency repairs on the NNS Aradu, a significant vessel in the Nigerian Navy, despite recommendations to decommission it.
While Gambo has not responded to requests for comments regarding his decision to remain in office, President Tinubu is currently on an official trip to France, and a presidential spokesperson has yet to address the situation.
It now remains to be seen how this standoff will be resolved and when the transition of power within the Nigerian Navy will take place.