The authorities in Nigeria have been called upon not to remain silent over the weighty allegations made by the former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, that very senior military officers, some retired, are backing foreign miners to perpetuate their illegal activities in various communities in Nigeria.
Mr Leonard Anyogo, a notary public, spoke on Sparkling FM radio morning discussion programme, Let’s Talk Nigeria, stating that it would be very wrong for the federal government to overlook such an emphatic statement by a serving senator like Oshiomhole.
In a trending video, Oshiomhole is seen speaking on a panel, declaring: “Very senior military generals are behind illegal mining in the country, backing many Chinese to plunder the mining resources. They have weaponised the processes. They fly in in choppers, carry away the resources worth billions of US dollars, and do so with impunity, without anyone challenging them.”
Oshiomhole went on to disclose that, as national chairman of APC, he took the information to then-President General Muhammadu Buhari and called on him to query the retired generals, but Buhari remained silent and refused to act.
He wondered if there were different laws in the country for the rich and powerful compared to the poor and less privileged.
“The allegations by Senator Oshiomhole against some serving and retired very senior military officers are very weighty and must not be overlooked,” Anyogo stressed.
He added that the names of these generals should be disclosed by the Public Prosecution Commission.
The lawyer advised the country to take immediate action to encourage direct investment and affirm the country’s position in the eyes of foreign nations.
During phone calls on the radio programme, members of the public reacted angrily, demanding that the state take action. They also challenged Oshiomhole to be bold enough to disclose the names of the retired generals.
