Posted by By Eugene Agha on
Following Federal Government directives that all 15 Rear Admiral (Two Star Generals) in the Nigerian Navy senior to the new Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, must resign by today, a major shake-up has commenced within the force.
Following Federal Government directives that all 15 Rear Admiral (Two Star Generals) in the Nigerian Navy senior to the new Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, must resign by today, a major shake-up has commenced within the force.
In the shake-up made public last weekend, Commodore John Kpokpogiri has been appointed the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, replacing Rear Admiral Simbiliyu Timson who has already proceeded on retirement.
Commodore Musa Ajadi who was formerly the Chief Staff Officer to the FOC West, has been appointed the FOC Eastern Naval Command, replacing the new naval chief, Admiral Adekeye.
Rear Admiral Kayode Biobaku who was formerly the FOC Naval Training Command, was re-assigned to the Naval Headquarters as Chief of Training and Operations, while Commodore Ibrahim Idirisu was appointed the new FOC Naval Training Command.
Commodore Idirisu was until the recent appointment attached to the Sea-Training Command in Bonny Camp.
Sources close to the Navy confirm that a major hand-over ceremony is being planned today at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja to usher in Admiral Adekeye as the new Chief of the Naval Staff.
Adekeye is taking over from Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan who resigned last month, after four years in office as the head of the Nigerian Navy.
Admiral Afolayan expressed gratitude to God for retiring after 36 years of active military service, calling on the new leaders of the force to ensure that a proper pull-out parade is organised for himself and all 15 Rear Admirals retiring with him.
The out-going naval chief said he would want a send forth party on-board the nation's flagship, the NNS Aradu, currently on her way to Nigeria after successful participation in the bi-centenary celebration of the battle of Trafalgar in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.