There has been a command transition at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State with Captain Stanley Mazi Chukwuemeka Umeh, mni taking over from Commodore Emmanuel Tamunosiki Fingesi, mni as Commanding Officer of the Base.
The brief ceremony had a review of parade and Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the Base by the outgoing Commanding Officer.
In his farewell speech, Cdre Fingesi, said he is delighted to be handing over to a distinguished officer, expressing confidence in Capt. Umeh’s capacity and acumen to lead the Base aright.
He stated that his successor needs the full cooperation of the officers and ratings to deliver on the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, urging them to accord him their support, wishing him well in his new role.
Responding, the incoming Commanding Officer expressed his joy over what he described as an “epoch-making event”, noting that his predecessor has been an acquaintance and had influence over him in the course of his career.
Capt. Umeh also thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff for giving him the opportunity to serve as the 27th Commanding Officer of FOB BONNY, promising to do his best and consolidate on the achievements of Cdre Fingesi at FOB Bonny.
The event had in attendance the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area; Abinye Pepple, Commanding Officer; 146 Battalion Nigerian Army, Lt Col David Omale, Divisional Police Officer, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Bonny Division; Wale Olumagba, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Daisy Isiofia, and Divisional Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Mamah Sunday.
Others were friends of the outgoing Commanding Officer, representatives of various companies, institutions and agencies in Bonny, as well as stakeholders of the FOB Bonny.