Major General Bamidele Olawumi (retd.), a former military officer, has sharply criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole over his recent accusations that retired military generals are involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Olawumi, who once served as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), condemned Oshiomhole’s remarks as “reckless, baseless, and offensive.”
He accused the senator of unjustly tarnishing the reputations of retired generals who have served the country with honor.
“As a retired general who has dedicated my life to serving this nation, I find Senator Oshiomhole’s comments not only false but an outright attack on my character and the legacy of my service,” Olawumi stated.
“His reckless generalization has subjected retired generals like myself to unwarranted public disdain and suspicion.”
Olawumi called on Oshiomhole to either provide credible evidence to support his allegations or retract them entirely.
“If he has solid proof of any retired general being involved in illegal mining, the responsible course of action would be to report such individuals to the Department of State Services or relevant authorities,” he said.
“Making unfounded accusations without evidence is both unpatriotic and irresponsible.”
The retired general also demanded a public apology, emphasizing that Oshiomhole’s comments have undermined the honor and integrity of retired military officers.
“I demand an immediate apology to all retired generals who have been unfairly slandered by these reckless statements,” Olawumi stated.
“If he cannot substantiate his claims with evidence, Senator Oshiomhole should refrain from making such damaging statements in the future.”
He further warned that such accusations could erode public trust in retired military officers and divert attention from the nation’s efforts to address illegal mining.
