Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian politicians to unite in the task of nation-building, urging them to rise above political differences in pursuit of the country’s progress. His statement comes as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with notable opposition figures recently adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform.
Speaking at the unveiling of the book “OPL245: The Inside Story of the \$1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc”, written by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN, Shettima emphasized that what binds the political class is more significant than what divides them.
The event, which took place on Thursday in Abuja, saw Shettima reflect on the unity that transcends political lines. “What binds us together surpasses whatever divides us,” he said, referencing the diverse political backgrounds of the dignitaries in attendance, including figures from the PDP, APC, NNPP, and even new coalition members. He remarked, “We are all one,” underscoring the importance of collaboration for the greater good of Nigeria.
At the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who recounted the challenges faced by Adoke during the latter’s time in office. Anyim remarked that Adoke, once a prominent figure in the Jonathan administration, had been “hunted across the globe” but was now present, healthy, and ready to tell his story.
Shettima also took the opportunity to call for forgiveness and reconciliation, especially in relation to Adoke, who had been demonized during the later years of the Jonathan administration. “In the last four years of the Jonathan administration, I was the most demonized person. I was public enemy number one,” Shettima said, recalling his own struggles and the support he received from figures like Adoke and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of documenting Nigeria’s political history, urging current leaders to share their stories for future generations. “Nigeria has endured the silence of too many who left public service with their stories still in the bonds of memories,” Shettima said, urging leaders to “summon the courage to document our journeys.”
Adoke, in his memoir, OPL245: The Inside Story of the \$1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc, offers an insider’s view into the infamous Malabu oil deal. The controversial deal involved the acquisition of the OPL 245 oil bloc by Shell and Eni for \$1.3 billion in 2011, with allegations of bribery and corruption surrounding the \$1.1 billion portion channeled through intermediaries to Nigerian officials.
READ ALSO: We’ll Move Nigeria from Cocoa Production to Processing — VP Shettima
Addressing the audience, Adoke explained that he was not a party to the deal but had merely carried out a presidential directive in 2011 to settle issues related to the deal. He recounted the struggles and costs of his prosecution, emphasizing the burden placed on the Nigerian taxpayer by the “needless and malicious” pursuit of his case.
Key figures at the book unveiling, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, all spoke on the importance of transparency and the rule of law in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Makinde praised Adoke for bringing together politicians from various political parties, calling the event a “good forum to build elite consensus for the future of Nigeria.” Saraki highlighted the fundamental importance of adhering to the rule of law, while El-Rufai stressed the need for public servants to document their experiences and create a culture of memoir writing.
The OPL 245 case, which has been a topic of intense debate and legal scrutiny, continues to be a significant point of contention in Nigerian politics, with implications for transparency and governance in the country’s oil sector. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the discussions at the book unveiling serve as a timely reminder of the importance of unity, truth, and accountability in the nation-building process.
As Shettima aptly put it, “Our turn always comes.” This poignant message underscores the importance of leadership, legacy, and the enduring power of truth in the political journey.