Major General Bamidele Johnson Olawumi (Rtd) has criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole for alleging that retired military officers are involved in illegal mining activities.
Describing Oshiomhole’s claim as “reckless, unfounded, and disrespectful,” General Olawumi said the remarks tarnish the reputation of retired generals who have honorably served the nation.
“As a retired officer who dedicated my life to the service of this country, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s comments baseless and deeply offensive. Such careless generalizations subject retired generals to unwarranted public criticism and suspicion,” Olawumi stated.
The retired general challenged Oshiomhole to substantiate his claims with credible evidence, adding that any such allegations should be reported to the Department of State Services (DSS) or relevant authorities.
“If Senator Oshiomhole has proof of any retired general’s involvement in illegal mining, the appropriate step would be to present it to the authorities rather than tarnishing the image of all retired officers,” he said.
Olawumi also demanded a public apology, insisting that Oshiomhole’s comments undermine the integrity of retired military personnel and could erode public trust in their contributions to national development.
“Someone of Oshiomhole’s stature must recognize the weight of his words. Unsubstantiated accusations only damage reputations and divert attention from the real issues surrounding illegal mining,” Olawumi warned.
He further emphasized the need for responsible public discourse to address the illegal mining crisis constructively.
At the time of this report, Senator Oshiomhole had not responded to Olawumi’s statements.
