VP Shettima Urges Public Officials to Document Stewardship Amidst Controversy
By Musbahu Basirka
Abuja, Nigeria – In a thought-provoking call to action, Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged public officials to document their stewardship while in service, emphasizing that life is a litigation with no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice. This statement comes amidst the public presentation of a memoir, “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” written by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
The book, which recounts Adoke’s experience under prosecution for the $1.3 billion Malabu oil deal, has sparked intense debate and scrutiny. At the book presentation on Thursday, Shettima highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public service. “Each of us who has had the privilege of serving this country owes the people an account of our stewardship. Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the nation. They belong to history,” he stated.
Shettima’s remarks underscore the need for public officials to see themselves as custodians of national memory, preserving the truth for future generations. The Vice President’s call to action is particularly significant given the controversy surrounding the OPL 245 deal, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and malfeasance.
The book’s author, Mohammed Adoke, said the motivation behind writing the memoir was to set the records straight and provide insights into the issues surrounding the transaction. “While I have forgiven the individuals and organisations that played active roles in the saga that caused significant damage to my person, family, and business, I remain unwavering in my belief and commitment to the Nigerian project and its success,” Adoke stated.
The event, attended by prominent Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, highlights the ongoing debate about accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public service.
The OPL 245 deal has been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s oil industry for over a decade. In 2011, the Nigerian government approved the sale of the oil block to Shell and Eni, sparking allegations of corruption and malfeasance. Adoke, who was AGF at the time, was accused of playing a role in the deal, leading to his prosecution.
The book presentation and Shettima’s remarks have reignited the debate about the deal and the need for transparency in Nigeria’s public service. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of corruption and accountability, the call to document stewardship is a timely reminder of the importance of preserving national memory and promoting good governance.
The book presentation and Shettima’s remarks are expected to spark further debate and scrutiny about the OPL 245 deal and the need for transparency in Nigeria’s public service. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of corruption and accountability, the call to document stewardship is likely to resonate with Nigerians and policymakers alike.
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