Kehinde Fajobi
Retired Major General Bamidele Olawumi has condemned Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s claims that retired military generals are involved in illegal mining, calling the remarks “reckless, baseless, and offensive.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former NYSC Director-General accused Oshiomhole of tarnishing the reputation of retired officers.
“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 said.
He argued that the senator’s remarks have subjected retired generals to “unwarranted public scorn and suspicion.”
Olawumi challenged Oshiomhole to present credible evidence or withdraw the allegations, stating, “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.”
The retired general demanded a public apology, asserting that the senator’s comments had unjustly maligned the integrity of retired officers.
“I demand an immediate apology to all retired generals who have been unfairly maligned by this reckless statement,” Olawumi said.
He warned that such allegations could erode public trust in retired military officers and detract from efforts to combat illegal mining, urging Oshiomhole to act responsibly in the future.