A former military officer, Major General Bamidele Olawumi (retd.), has strongly condemned Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s allegations implicating retired military generals in illegal mining activities in Nigeria. The senator had claimed that individuals in high places, including retired generals, were behind the illegal mining trade, protected by private armies.
Olawumi, in a statement to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, dismissed Oshiomhole’s comments as “reckless, baseless, and offensive,” arguing that such accusations unfairly tarnish the reputation of retired generals who have served the nation with dedication. He expressed his shock and dismay, stating, “As a retired general who has faithfully served this country, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s remarks not only false but a direct affront to my person and the legacy of my service.”
The former military officer called out the senator for making sweeping generalizations without presenting any evidence to back his claims, adding that such reckless statements could only harm the integrity of retired officers and fuel public mistrust. He urged Oshiomhole to either provide solid proof of his allegations or retract his comments.
“If Senator Oshiomhole has credible evidence against any retired general involved in illegal mining, he should take the responsible route and report them to the Department of State Services or relevant authorities,” Olawumi stated. He further demanded a public apology from Oshiomhole for the harm caused by his unfounded claims.
Olawumi cautioned that remarks of this nature could distract from genuine efforts to combat illegal mining and undermine public trust in military retirees. “Oshiomhole must realize that words spoken by someone of his stature carry weight. His baseless accusations serve no purpose other than to tarnish reputations and create unnecessary tension,” he said.
While addressing the broader issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, Olawumi emphasized the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and enforcement measures. He urged the Federal Government to impose stricter penalties on offenders and suggested forming a task force involving security agencies, environmental experts, and local community representatives to monitor and report illegal mining activities effectively.
The retired general’s call for action underscores the need for a more robust approach to tackling illegal mining, which continues to pose significant environmental and economic challenges in Nigeria.