By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas has warned ratings of the Nigerian Navy to desist from taking laws into their hands in the discharge of their professional duties.
Ete-Ibas gave the warning Monday in Calabar after assessing the level of destruction of properties during the clash that occurred between the Navy and Police on May 30 which left two policemen dead and one Naval rating injured after been shot on the shoulder.
“At the Naval headquarters in Abuja, the collaboration and coordination between the navy and the police remains very strong,” said Ete-Ibas who was represented by Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Ete-Ibas who described the clash as unfortunate also disclosed that the joint investigation panel has commenced sitting reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“The relationship is still growing; nothing short of this is acceptable at your level as well.
“Whatever has led to this incident, I want to also let you know that a joint investigation committee has commenced sitting to unravel the circumstances and apportion blame as necessary.
“You have the bigger responsibility to protect the peace and maintain the security of the environment, the state and Nigeria in general.’’ Ete-Ibas said that Inuwa, the commissioner of police had assured the navy that the police would maintain peace and cordiality.
“An incident of this nature must not occur again. You are not permitted to take laws into your hands,’’ he said
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, the state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa and other top security officer accompanied the CNS on the visit.
The CNS paid a courtesy call on Cross River Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu who announced to them that the state was taking responsibility for all the damage, including footing the medical bills.
He said the incident shocked everyone and sued for continuous efforts geared towards promoting inter-agency relationship with the security chiefs pledging to work together.
He also visited the police officer that sustained bullet injuries at the police clinic as well as the naval rating who was injured at the navy hospital.
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