On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate dismissed a petition filed by former naval officer Mr. Ewato Flaubert Oluwadolapo, who sought reinstatement into the Nigerian Navy after being dismissed in 2022. The decision followed the Senate’s review and adoption of the report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which investigated the matter.
Oluwadolapo’s petition alleged wrongful dismissal without fair hearing and non-payment of his salaries and allowances. He urged the Senate to direct the Nigerian Navy to reinstate him and settle all outstanding payments. However, the committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South), found no merit in the petition.
The committee’s investigation revealed that Mr. Oluwadolapo had served in the Nigerian Navy since January 2013 until his dismissal was confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff on June 16, 2022. His dismissal followed a series of infractions, including being Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) for over a year and abandoning his duty post while serving on the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard Banda in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The report detailed that Mr. Oluwadolapo had been demoted from the rank of Seaman to Ordinary Seaman after being found guilty of going AWOL from June 1, 2020, to June 27, 2021. Further investigation revealed that the officer had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Lokoja-Abuja road in August 2021, where he allegedly extorted money from motorists. The officer reportedly confessed in a handwritten statement that financial difficulties had driven him to engage in this illegal activity.
The committee emphasized that Mr. Oluwadolapo’s dismissal was not solely based on his AWOL but rather on the illegal roadblock, which was considered a serious breach of conduct. He was summarily tried and found guilty of the offense.
In its final recommendation, the committee urged the Senate to dismiss the petition due to its lack of merit. When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the recommendation to a voice vote, the Senate approved the committee’s decision to dismiss the petition.
This ruling highlights the Senate’s commitment to upholding military discipline and ensuring that due process is followed in the armed forces. The dismissal of Oluwadolapo’s petition reinforces the importance of accountability within the Nigerian Navy.
This decision by the Senate seems shady. Why dismiss a petition without proper investigation? Something doesnt add up. #JusticeForSackedNavalOfficer
I cant believe they dismissed his petition! Justice system is a joke 🙄 #NavalOfficerDeservesBetter
The system failed him. Disgraceful. #JusticeDenied #NavalOfficerDeservesBetter
Wow, how can they dismiss the petition without even considering the merits? Seems like the Senate is playing favorites again.
Typical Senate move. Always looking out for themselves, not the people. Disappointing but not surprising.
Wow, so the Senate just dismissed that petition like its no big deal? Thats messed up. Wheres the justice?
Typical politicians protecting their own interests, not surprising at all. Justice is a joke.
I cant believe the Senate dismissed that petition! Its like they dont care about injustice. What a joke!
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! This is a clear case of injustice. The Senate needs to rethink their decision.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! The system is rigged. This is a clear case of injustice. #FreeTheNavalOfficer
This decision is outrageous! How can they dismiss a petition without proper investigation? This is a clear display of injustice.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! The system is rigged against whistleblowers. This is a travesty of justice.
Why dismiss a petition without proper investigation? Justice should prevail, even for a sacked naval officer. #FairnessMatters
Justice requires due diligence, not blind sympathy. Let the facts speak for themselves. #FactsOverFeelings
This decision is outrageous! How can they dismiss a petition without even considering the evidence presented? Unbelievable!
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! What about justice for the sacked naval officer? This is outrageous!
This decision is outrageous! How can they dismiss a petition without even considering the merits? Something fishy is going on.
This decision sets a dangerous precedent. How can the Senate dismiss a petition without thoroughly investigating the claims? Justice denied.
Sorry, but the Senate has the right to make decisions based on evidence presented. Justice served.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! What about justice for the sacked naval officer? This decision is outrageous.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! That naval officer deserved justice. This decision is outrageous. #JusticeForNavalOfficer
I agree, its a travesty. We need to keep pushing for justice. #JusticeForNavalOfficer
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! This is a clear case of injustice. The Senate needs to reevaluate their decision.
I think the Senates decision was unfair. Everyone deserves a fair chance to be heard. #JusticeForNavalOfficer
This is outrageous! How can they dismiss his petition without even considering the evidence? Justice must prevail!
Its a travesty of justice. They cant ignore the evidence like that. Unbelievable.
Why do we trust the Senate to dismiss petitions without thorough investigation? Are they really looking out for justice? 🤔
I cant believe the Senate dismissed that petition! They need to start taking accountability seriously. This is unacceptable.
I cant believe they dismissed his petition! There must be a deeper reason behind it. Justice is not always served.
I cant believe the Senate dismissed that petition! Its like theyre not even trying to uphold justice. What a joke.
The Senates actions are disappointing, but we must keep pushing for justice. Dont give up.
Wow, cant believe they dismissed it! This system is a joke. Justice for the naval officer! #corruption #unfairdecision
I cant believe they dismissed it! This is a clear case of injustice. The Senate needs to rethink their decision.
The Senates decision is disappointing, but lets hope justice prevails in the end.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! The system is messed up. Justice should prevail, no matter the rank. #NavalOfficerPetition
I dont get why the Senate dismissed the petition. Seems fishy to me. What are they trying to hide? #JusticeForSackedNavalOfficer
This decision is outrageous! How can the Senate dismiss a petition without even considering the merit? Total injustice!
This decision is a total joke! How can they dismiss the petition without even considering the merit? #JusticeDenied 🤬
Maybe theres more to the story than we know. Lets not jump to conclusions.
I cant believe they dismissed the petition! This smells fishy, somethings not right here. Navy needs to be held accountable.
This is outrageous! The Senate should have at least listened to the officers side before dismissing the petition. Justice denied!
This decision sets a dangerous precedent. What about justice for the little guy? Its a slippery slope. Time for change.
I cant believe the Senate dismissed that petition! What a joke. They need to start taking accountability seriously. #JusticeForSackedNavalOfficer