By CrossRiverWatch admin
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the redeployment of 61 senior officers of flag ranks in the Nigerian Navy including the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, Admiral Babalola who has been replaced by Rear Admiral AS Abdulkadir.
The change of guard is to take place with immediate effect.
Additionally, another Cross Riverian, Admiral PA Agba who was the former Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters has been appointed as the Chief of Naval Transformation.
Admiral Agba has served formerly as Admiral Superintendent Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, FOC Central Naval Command among other top positions.
The Naval Chief of Transformation is saddled with the onerous task of reforming a Nigerian Navy that insiders say has been unduly politicized by previous governments and reengineer the service for effective professional duties.
A source in the naval headquarters who commented on the appointment of Admiral Agba told CrossRiverWatch that: “The transformation command was created not long ago. About three years ago but the new CNS who you are aware is also from Cross River has a specific presidential mandate to transform the Navy and provide leadership in the quest for maximum maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“That is one of the most critical assignment of the new CNS and a lot of effort and resources will be invested in the command to ensure that genuine transformation takes place in the Navy to return the service to the pride of the continent and they could not have been any better person among the top cadre of officers than Admiral Agba to undertake that task.
“Ask and talk with his colleagues and they will tell you that is one of the most disciplined officers we have in the Navy today. He is not given to frivolities and he is one of the finest examples of a military gentleman that epitomizes professionalism. That is why the CNS had to settle for him. He has a lot of work to do but he is also a workaholic and we are all confident that he will make our personnel and Nigerians proud. We also want to thank Cross River State for contributing these fine gentlemen to the service of Nigeria at this critical time in our history”.