This is reckless, baseless –Rtd General slams Oshiomhole over allegations of illegal mining comment
This is reckless, baseless –Rtd General slams Oshiomhole over allegations of illegal mining comment
Major General Bamidele Olawumi (retd.) has fired back at Senator Adams Oshiomhole, condemning the lawmaker’s recent remarks accusing retired military officers of being involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olawumi, who previously served as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), lambasted Oshiomhole’s claims as “reckless, baseless, and offensive.”
He described the senator’s comments as an unjust attack on the integrity of retired military generals who have served the nation with distinction.
“As a retired general who has dedicated years of service to this country, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s words not only false but a direct insult to my personal legacy and to the reputation of all retired officers,” Olawumi stated.
“His unfounded accusations have subjected us to unnecessary public scorn and suspicion.”
The former military leader demanded that Oshiomhole either substantiate his claims with credible evidence or retract the allegations entirely.
“If Senator Oshiomhole truly has any proof that a retired general is engaged in illegal mining, he should report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Department of State Services,” Olawumi suggested. “Publicly making baseless accusations without evidence is both irresponsible and unpatriotic.”
In addition to calling for a retraction, Olawumi insisted that Oshiomhole issue a public apology.
“Senator Oshiomhole’s statement has caused significant harm to the reputation of retired military officers. He owes an apology to every retired general who has been unfairly implicated by his reckless words,” he emphasized.
Olawumi further warned that such unwarranted allegations could erode public confidence in the military and divert attention from the real issues of illegal mining in the country.
“This kind of rhetoric only serves to undermine trust in our military personnel and distracts from the genuine efforts needed to combat illegal mining,” he concluded.
The public dispute has raised concerns about the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s mining sector and the importance of responsible dialogue in addressing national security and economic issues.
