Retired General berates Oshiomhole over illegal mining allegation

A retired military officer, Major General Bamidele Johnson Olawumi (Rtd), has slammed Senator Adams Oshiomhole for saying that retired military officers in Nigeria were behind illegal mining.

General Olawumi described Oshiomhole’s remarks as “reckless, baseless, and offensive, “accusing the senator of dragging the image of retired generals who have served the nation honorably in the mud.

“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. His reckless generalization has exposed retired generals like myself to unwarranted public scorn and suspicion.”

The retired general called on Oshiomhole to back his claims with concrete evidence or withdraw the allegations.

“If he possesses credible evidence of any retired general involved in illegal mining,” he said.

He pointed out that the right action would be to report such individuals to the Department of State Services (DSS) or other relevant authorities if Oshiomhole truly possesses credible evidence of any retired general involved in illegal mining

Olawumi also demanded a public apology from Oshiomhole, stressing that his words have undermined the honor and integrity of countless retired officers who have devoted their lives to the service of the nation.,

The retired general warned that such comments from someone of Oshiomhole’s caliber could undermine public trust in retired officers and distract from the nation’s efforts to address the menace of illegal mining.,

“Oshiomhole must understand that words carry weight, especially when spoken by someone of his standing. Loose accusations without evidence serve no purpose other than to tarnish reputations and create unnecessary tension,” he said.

Oshiomhole has not responded to Olawumi at the time of filing this report.