- Safiu Kehinde
A retired military officer, Major General Bamidele Olawumi, has slammed Edo State lawmaker and former governor, Senator Adams Oshiomole, over his claim that retired military generals are involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
Reacting to the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, Olawumi labelled Oshiomole’s claim as “reckless, baseless, and offensive”.
The former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General expressed that the Edo lawmaker’s accusation is an afrront on his person and legacy as well as that of other retired generals.
According to report, Oshiomole had, in a trending video while speaking on a panel, declared that: “Very senior military generals are behind illegal mining in the country, backing many Chinese to plunder the mining resources. They have weaponised the processes. They fly in in choppers, carry away the resources worth billions of US dollars, and do so with impunity, without anyone challenging them.”
Oshiomhole went on to disclose that, as national chairman of APC, he took the information to then-President General Muhammadu Buhari and called on him to query the retired
He, however, challenged Oshiomole to present credible evidence on the alleged involvement of the retired generals in illegal mining.
“As a retired general who has faithfully served this country, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s comments not only false but a direct affront to my person and the legacy of my service,” Olawumi stated. His reckless generalisation has exposed retired generals like myself to unwarranted public scorn and suspicion.”
“If he possesses credible evidence of any retired general involved in illegal mining, the responsible action would be to report such individuals to the Department of State Services or other relevant authorities. Resorting to baseless public accusations without proof is unpatriotic and irresponsible.” he said.
Olawumi further demanded a public apology from Oshiomole while charging him to refrain from making unfounded ad damaging comments.
He also warned that such statements could undermine public trust in retired officers and distract from the nation’s efforts to tackle illegal mining.
“I demand an immediate apology to all retired generals who have been unfairly maligned by this reckless statement,” Olawumi said.
“If he cannot provide evidence to substantiate his claims, Senator Oshiomhole should refrain from making such damaging comments in the future.” Olawumi said.