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.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of turning against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, despite the latter’s role in his political ascension.

In a detailed letter titled “Gov Bala vs Wike: Let the Truth Be Told,” Dogara revealed how Wike played a pivotal role in ensuring Bala’s emergence as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2019 and went on to finance his campaign.

Dogara stated, “As I witness this gross injustice, the questions I ask myself are: is my comfort more important than saying the truth, and is my fear of conflict worth allowing harm to go unchallenged? I have learned enough over the years to know beyond reasonable doubt that in the face of situations like this, if I choose to prioritize my comfort, I will fail the victim and fail myself. This is because injustice itself is a festering wound; it only grows worse when brushed aside.”

According to Dogara, Wike’s intervention was instrumental during the 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries in Bauchi. He recounted:

“For starters, need I remind Governor Bala Mohammed that in 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries, when we were not too sure he would win because his then major opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi, was the one who constituted the state party structure and had a bosom friend as party chairman, it was Wike we turned to for help. I had called Wike to plead with him to help us in Bauchi without necessarily disclosing to him that it was Bala Mohammed that we wanted delivered.

“His response to me was, ‘Are you sure you are in control of the process 100 percent?’ I said I wasn’t too sure, and he said to me, ‘Leave it to me; I will help you sort it out.’”

Dogara detailed how Wike appointed Chief Dan Orbih as the chairman of the primaries panel to secure the ticket for Bala Mohammed, even providing a private jet to transport him to Bauchi.

“On the eve of the primaries, Chief Dan was in Benin City, and we needed to get him to Bauchi for the assignment. It was to Wike that I turned again, and his response to me was, ‘My brother, I have told you not to bother. Tell Chief Dan to come to meet me in Port Harcourt.’ I did just that, and amazingly, Wike provided the private jet that flew Chief Dan to Bauchi and out of Bauchi for the assignment.”

Dogara revealed Wike bore all expenses for the primaries without placing any conditions. However, after Bala Mohammed emerged as the PDP flagbearer, it became apparent that he lacked the resources to fund his campaign.

“After the emergence of Bala Mohammed as the party flag bearer and having promised to sponsor all the party candidates if he got the ticket, we were rudely awakened to the reality that Bala Mohammed had no money for his own campaigns, let alone for other candidates of the party. Initially, I thought it was some kind of a funny joke, but as time went, I realized to my utter bewilderment that it was true,” Dogara added.

He recounted their unsuccessful fundraiser, which yielded only N28 million net, forcing them to approach Wike for assistance once again.

Dogara said, “We got tickets and flew to Port Harcourt with Bala Mohammed without informing Wike that we were coming with him. On arrival, we were ushered into the Government House and asked to take our seats and wait for the Governor. As soon as Wike walked down the stairs and saw Bala Mohammed, his visage changed, and I noticed he was cold to me for the very first time.”

According to Dogara, Wike expressed reservations about Bala Mohammed, recalling past grievances.

“He said to me, ‘Let me tell you what you don’t know. When we were ministers, Bala Mohammed allocated plots of land to all ministers except me. He also humiliated me when I went to see him in his office as a colleague minister, just to get approval to increase the number of floors on a building I had in Abuja—not to beg for a plot, which he refused to allocate to me. He kept me in his waiting room for hours and later sneaked out of the office. From that day, I made up my mind never to have anything to do with him again.’”

Despite this, Wike eventually forgave Bala Mohammed and provided the necessary financial support, albeit with a warning: “I assure you, you will regret your decision if Bala Mohammed becomes governor.”

Dogara concluded, “The two senators with me that day can confirm this to anyone who wants to establish the veracity of these narratives.”

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to remain humble and steadfast despite the privileges of his high office, assuring that power will not alter his principles or values.

Fubara made this declaration on Tuesday while receiving leaders, elders, and key stakeholders who visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The governor emphasized his dedication to fulfilling the promises he made to the people of Rivers State, focusing on transformational projects that would benefit the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara said, “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will continue to hold dear my belief in God and my respect for people.”

“Power will come, power will go, but I will remain the same. With your support, we will achieve the Rivers State of our dreams. Even if we don’t complete everything, we will lay a strong foundation that will guide us toward that vision.”

The governor, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love on his milestone birthday, added, “This morning is not for politics but for joy. I am grateful to celebrate my Golden Jubilee. It means I have joined the league of the old men.”

Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, praised Fubara for his leadership, describing him as a deliverer of the state and its people from forces that sought to undermine Rivers’ progress.

Similarly, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, urged all stakeholders to support the governor, noting, “Once a king is crowned, the kingmaker must step aside to allow the king to lead effectively.”