Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of going after key officials from his government shortly after he left office in 2015.
Jonathan made this known in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of a memoir titled “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block” written by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
Represented at the event by former Senate President Pius Anyim, Jonathan said, “Shortly after my tenure ended in 2015, the succeeding government launched what many saw as a manhunt against key officers of my administration. Mr. Bello Adoke, who was the Attorney-General then, was hunted across the globe.”
The book tells Adoke’s side of the controversial OPL-245 oil deal, also known as the Malabu scandal. In 2011, oil giants Shell and Eni bought the oil block for $1.3 billion. Allegations later surfaced that $1.1 billion of that amount was used to bribe Nigerian officials and politicians.
Adoke was accused of wrongdoing during Buhari’s administration but was later cleared by courts in Nigeria and abroad. He said he wrote the book to explain his role and clear his name, not to attack anyone.
“This book is not written to denigrate anyone. It is meant to set the record straight and offer my account of what transpired,” Adoke said.
He added that he was never part of the actual oil deal and only acted on a presidential order to resolve issues around the transaction.
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Adoke blamed the Buhari administration for using public funds to pursue what he called his “needless and malicious prosecution.”
“I have forgiven everyone behind my ordeal, including the former EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who apologised to me,” he said, noting that the court cases had taken a toll on his life.
He also claimed the Buhari government acted out of loyalty to the family of late military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha, who originally awarded the oil block to Malabu Oil in 1998.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the event, praised Adoke for forgiving his accusers.
“I commend you for forgiving all those who offended you during your ordeal. I admire Adoke for standing by his convictions,” he said.
Shettima shared his own story, saying he was once labelled “Public Enemy Number One” under Jonathan’s presidency.
He said Adoke stopped an attempt by Jonathan to remove him as Governor of Borno State.
“I admire Adoke for his courage and legal advice. He told the President bluntly: ‘Mr. President, you do not have the power to remove a sitting governor,’” Shettima said.
Other notable figures at the event included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who called for unity across political lines.
“History must not only be recorded, it must also be contested, clarified, and understood,” he said, praising Adoke for documenting his experience.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said the book highlighted the importance of the rule of law, while former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai urged current leaders to write about their time in office for the benefit of future generations.
El-Rufai also said Adoke played a key role in persuading Jonathan to concede defeat in the 2015 election.
“Why would someone who helped stabilize Nigeria’s democracy be persecuted?” he asked.