- Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese refutes baseless allegations of Nigerian Navy involvement in crude oil theft, commends Navy’s efforts in maritime security
- Chief Agbese praises the Navy’s professionalism, condemns false accusations, and assures ongoing oversight by the House of Representatives
Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has refuted allegations of the Nigerian Navy’s involvement in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Instead, he emphasized the need to commend the Navy for its crucial role in securing the nation’s maritime domain and combating illegal activities like piracy, smuggling, and oil bunkering.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Chief Agbese dismissed recent reports suggesting the Navy’s complicity in crude oil theft as baseless. He asserted that these claims, emanating from non-state actors, lacked evidence and aimed to tarnish the image and reputation of the Navy and its personnel.
Chief Agbese praised the Nigerian Navy as a professional and patriotic institution dedicated to performing its constitutional duties with diligence and integrity. He highlighted the Navy’s significant contributions to combating crude oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta and across the country. Chief Agbese condemned the false and malicious accusations against the Navy, emphasizing their unfairness and disrespect to the sacrifices made by the Navy for the nation’s security and development.
He stated, “It is therefore unfortunate and unfair that some people are trying to malign the Navy and its officers with false and malicious accusations of being involved in crude oil theft. These allegations are not only baseless but also disrespectful to the sacrifices and contributions of the Navy to the nation’s security and development. The situation is made sadder when we realize that certain non-state actors are peddling these falsehoods as part of their strategy for taking over the roles of the Nigerian Navy and other government agencies.”
Chief Agbese assured the public that the House of Representatives had investigated the allegations, confirming them to be false and unsubstantiated. He commended the Navy for its professionalism and dedication and urged the public to disregard the unfounded accusations. Additionally, he called on the media to be responsible and factual in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and misinformation.
The Deputy Spokesperson pledged continued oversight by the House of Representatives to ensure that the Navy and other security agencies receive adequate funding and equipment for effectively performing their duties.