WARRI – Outgoing Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Musa Gemu has expressed fears that ,until the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are addressed, the realization of the smooth take off of the Federal Government $16 billion Gas City/EPZ project in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State my take a little longer.
Commodore Musa Gemu, made this known at the handing over ceremony in his honour at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri.
“The ground breaking Ceremony has been carried out to lay foundation for the take off of the EPZ Gas project. However, unless the Ugborodo people addresses the issue of the internally Displaced Persons, realization of this project is till on a long journey which the Federal Government must address as quickly as possible, putting in mind the constitution of Nigeria which surpasses any customs and tradition of any community, but I strongly believe, it shall be resolved in the nearest future.”.He said.
While reeling out what he termed some “modest achievements”, during his tenure from 21 February, 2014, when he came on board as the commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Musa Gemu thanked officers and men of the Base for their discipline and immerse co-operation without which according to him,his tenure would not have been successful.
According to him, efforts have been made towards positioning he Base in order to effectively carry out its traditional function of policing to meet regularly additional task of OPERATION PULO SHIELD.
He said with collective will and determination, the water ways have become safe for economic activities to thrive, and drastic reduction of illegal oil bunkering activities.
Speaking further, Gemu said “It is on record that under my watch, NNS DELTA has arrested and destroyed more than 230 wooden boats laden with crude oil, 5 ships were equally arrested for crude oil theft and over 3,500 illegal oil Refineries were also destroyed with over 34,00 MT of crude oil and other Petroleum related product in over 19 camps”.
On his relationship with oil companies and Host Communities, he said ,”I applied the wisdom of talking of talking on he table yo resolve issues rather than holding companies to ransom or using violence to drive home a point .It is on record equally that because of this approach, no life was lost during during my tenure.”
He also emphasised that in line with the CNS aspirations, naval officers must learn to live in harmony with civilians.
While urging men of the NNS DELTA to avoid complacency, Gemu said In spite of these modest achievements, there is still a lot of work to be done by the Base.” I therefore urge you all to remain steadfast in your resolve to achieve the objectives of the Base in line with the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff.”
He said with the support of the CNS, the base will achieve more.
Gemu who is on transfer to Naval Headquarters, Abuja expressed gratitude to Almighty God for a successful tenure, , family members , sister services, other security services for their support. He thanked the CNS for the trust and confidence reposed on him during his tenure, he thanked FOC, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Stanley Ehije Ogoigbe and the JTF for the leadership and support he enjoyed during his tenure.as well as members of the press for their efforts in educating the citizens on the activities of NNS DELTA.
He enjoyed officers, ratings and civilian staff of NNS DELTA to extend thesame support to his successor Commodore A A Sule.
On his part, in coming Commander NNS DELTA, Commodore A A SULE, said security of lives and property especially in the waterways, would be his priority, promising to build on the legacies of his predecessor.
A.A Sule who was posted from Lagos said he was not new to Warri, having visited first in 1984, adding that he expected loyalty, high discipline, and dedication from officers and men of the Base.
Commodore Musa Gemu
