Nigeria

Gambo takes over as Chief of Naval Staff

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 12:04 PM by Onyirioha Nnamdi

- Nigerian Navy now officially has a new head, Awwal Zubairu Gambo

- Gambo took over from Vice Admiral Ibot Ekwe-Ibas, the outgoing CNS

- Vice Admiral Ibot Ekwe-Ibas urged Gambo to do everything he can to protect the nation's maritime sector

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Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo on Friday, January 29, took over as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).

During the inaugural ceremony, the outgoing CNS, Vice Admiral Ibot Ekwe-Ibas, urged Gambo to get ready to take and work under intense pressure as he battles sea pirates in a bid to protect Nigeria's maritime sector, The Nation reports.

Born in April 1966, Gambo, who hails from Nasarawa local government area of Kano was enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in 1984 as a member of the Regular Course 36 and rose to sub-lieutenant four years later.

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BREAKING: Gambo takes over as Chief of Naval Staff — Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo has taken over as the new Chief of Naval Staff (Photo: PM News)
Source: UGC

Meanwhile, the presidency finally lifted the lids on the appointment of the new service chiefs, saying the decision was based on the need to rejig the security structure of the country.

Femi Adesina, a media and publicity aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, made this revelation on Tuesday, January 26.

Adesina said Buhari felt it was time to appoint new service chiefs, hence the decision to bring in new men with fresh ideas and strategy.

The presidential media aide also faulted the claims that the outgoing service chiefs' resignation was as a result of a number of security lapses under their tenure and the pressure mounted on the government for their sack.

He said Buhari is pleased with the patriotism of the former service chiefs and thanked them for what they have done for the country.

“The President knew the time to do it and I believe the time has come and that is why it has been done.