A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has urged President Bola Tinubu to thoroughly carry out an unbiased investigation into the oil theft allegation against the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla.
Isiguzoro demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the allegations against Ogalla, stressing that there is a plot of systemic humiliation against Igbos.
The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, however, noted that the apex Igbo socio-cultural body backs Tinubu’s
anti-corruption war against all public office holders.
He commended Tinubu’s zero tolerance for corruption practices in his administration.
A statement by Isiguzoro said: “In the face of serious allegations surrounding Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we urgently request a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged multi-billion naira oil numbering and contract splitting fraud.
“Ndigbo and all Nigerians are closely observing the processes, amidst rumors that the Naval chief’s efforts to combat the activities of oil thieves are yielding positive results. The authorities must acknowledge the possibility of organized oil thieves, who previously controlled oil security and pipeline protection contracts, orchestrating this absurd petition. We adamantly refuse to be drawn into these theatrical distractions.
“Our sole objective is to ensure an impartial, fair, and comprehensive investigation into the actions of Nigeria’s Naval Chief during his six months in office.
“Every political officeholder must face prosecution. We vehemently oppose any selective approach to the war against corruption and stress the need for a holistic strategy. There should be no systematic humiliation of the IGBO people. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is fully aware that “corruption fights back when confronted with superior operations.”
“We firmly believe that the outcome of this investigation will provide an excellent opportunity to uncover the truth about the alleged oil theft syndicate and identify the sponsors alleged to have connections to vested interests in high places and certain sacred cows within the APC-led federal government.”
He charged Tinubu to urgently take decisive actions and remove all untouchables and sacred cows with corruption cases from his government.
“The time has come to demonstrate resolute measures in purging his administration of individuals who undermine the fight against corruption. The Nigerian people are closely watching and are deeply invested in these developments.
“Together, let us ensure justice prevails and corruption is rooted out of our nation,” he added.