Nigerian Coast Guard  Warns Nigerian Navy Not to Meddle in Its Affairs

The Nigerian Coast Guard has warned the Nigerian Navy that it cannot determine its existence, and should refrain from delving into its affairs.

A press release by Oluwafemi Adeniran, its spokesperson explained that the Nigerian Navy cannot determine the legitimacy of Coast Guard.

The statement said the Nigeria Coast Guard operates independently and has its own protocols for verifying the credentials of its members, insisting that any interference from the Nigerian Navy serves only to create confusion and disrupt the operations of the Coast Guard.

“We strongly urge the Nigerian Navy to immediately release all Coast Guard members who were recently arrested in Akwa Ibom State. These individuals are dedicated members of the proposed Nigeria Coast Guard and should not be unjustly detained from unwarranted interference in administrative matters.

“It is essential for both the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Coast Guard to respect each other’s jurisdictions and collaborate effectively within their respective mandates.

“By upholding these boundaries, both agencies can work together towards enhancing maritime security in Nigeria without undue interference or conflicts,” it stated.

The statement called upon the Nigerian Navy to adhere to these principles and focus on fulfilling their own responsibilities, while allowing the Nigeria Coast Guard to manage its administrative matters independently. Only through cooperation and mutual respect can both agencies effectively safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests.

Although the Nigerian Navy is yet to speak on the issue officially, there have been huge support for the establishment of a Coast Guard, with some suggesting it focuses on law enforcement in inland waters while the Navy handles defense and operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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