People of Nsukka zone in Enugu State, on Tuesday, told the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla not to be intimidated out of office.
They gave the admonition amid a recent allegation against the Naval Chief.
His kinsmen have now declared war on those behind what they called a sponsored media attack.
Rising from their meeting in Nsukka, they said they would stop at nothing to fight those plotting to pull down the Naval boss.
A resolution reached after the meeting convened by the leadership of Nsukka Youth Association was signed by Comrade Emeka Odo.
The Nsukka people said it was ‘fire-for-fire’ against all forces mobilising to pull down a good man who has distinguished himself in service.
“There is limit to every madness and we the people of Nsukka cannot and will not condone any act of harassment, intimidation or blackmail against a man well respected for his integrity.
“The Naval Chief cannot be intimidated to stop the good work he is doing. Oil bunkering is a cankerworm that must be eliminated.
“We know who they are: they are the ‘oil thieves’ and their sponsors. They have met a brick wall in Ogalla who has refused to be compromised.
“We are not surprised that this is coming at a time the fight against oil theft was succeeding; in fact, it was expected. But, they have picked on the wrong person and we are prepared for them,” they stated.
OsunDailyNG reports that the Nigerian Navy had also earlier dismissed all the allegations against Ogalla.
In the rebuttal signed by Rear Admiral Adetokun Ayo-Vaughan, director of information, the Nigerian Navy (NN) said the allegations were unfounded and baseless, adding that those feeling the heat of the several operations by the navy were behind the blackmail against Ogalla.
