The Base Operation Officer, Forward Operating Base, Navy, Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Commander Samuel Olowookere has explained that the core mandate of the Navy is to protect legitimate users of the high sea and not to collect any form of gratification from the people.
This came at the wake of reports that naval personnel collect money from fishermen to protect them at high sea, during fishing expeditions.
Olowookere in a meeting with representatives and stakeholders of the fishermen Association in Ibaka, Mbo LGA on Saturday said such a thing does not exist.
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He, also debunked the reports that over 700 sea militants invaded Ibaka beach and kidnapped five fishermen and seized nine engines.
He reasoned that if over 700 sea pirates invade the beach, the base wouldn’t have been functional by now as they would have over run every person.
He said, “it is not true that over 700 pirates invaded Ibaka community. If over 700 sea pirates invaded Ibaka, I am not sure the Base will be functioning by now, maybe i would have been dead, because they would have over-run every living thing within this area.
“Also, the comment on the kidnapp of five victims. To the best of our knowledge and the engagement of the stakeholders, nothing of such happened on the day mentioned as well as even the carting away of nine engine boats.
“No fisherman during the period of our stay here or prior to our stay here paid Nigerian Navy money for any work done.
“They have had occasions where their boats capsized at sea, where the Base has been prompt in providing them assistance at no cost. In fact, of recent there was one that we did less than five months ago, where one of their boats had issues.
“They promised to give the Base three drums of fuel which we vehemently rejected. We don’t collect money for work. We are here to protect fishermen and other legitimate users of water. So, our responsibility is to protect the fishermen and other persons that use the waterways as a means of transportation or as a mean of economy activity.”
