Shagaya charges naval officers on good image
By David Hart
A call has gone to the Nigerian Navy to live up to expectation in protecting and projecting good image.
The call was made on June 18, 2009 at Bonny when Senate Committee on Defence (Navy) led by Senator John Shagaya and Sidi Ali visited the Forward Operating Base in the Island.
Speaking during the tour, Senator John Shagaya who is also a retired Major General stated that the visit was to enable the senate to ascertain the extent which the base has fared as well as determine the compliance of the Navy in utilizing budgetary funds.
Senator Shagaya used the medium to commend Navy Captain D. H. Moses, men and officers of FOB Bonny on their effectiveness at the base.
He equally thanked the local government chairman, Hon (Barr) Edward Pepple for his assistance to naval officers and members of the joint military taskforce in the island.
He assured the Forward Operating Base that his findings at the base would be submitted accordingly to the senate for appropriate action. The retired military officer promised to make efforts in alleviating the problems of inadequate medical facilities facing the base.
Earlier in his address, the officer-in-charge of the Forward Operating Base, Navy Capt. D. H. Moses highlighted challenges facing the base, pointing out that there is need for the original master plan of the base to be actualized in order to provide permanent accommodation for the personnel.
The OIC appealed for at least six additional gun boats to assist in effective surveillance on the waterways to curb miscreants such as sea pirates. Capt. Moses also asked for ambulance for quick medical evacuation, utility and operational vehicles among other things.
Senator Sidi Ali also commended Bonny local government boss who urged the senators to assist in ensuring that problems of the base are given due consideration.
