Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday in Abuja, urged former and serving public officials to summon the courage to document their life and stewardship in service. Shettima made the call at the public presentation of a book titled, 'OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,' written by a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice President emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public service. He noted that public servants live under perpetual scrutiny and should account for their stewardship, as life itself is a litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice. Shettima highlighted the importance of documenting public service as part of national history, describing the culture of secrecy in Nigeria's public institutions as a form of silence that must be broken.
Recalling the litigious OPL 245 deal, Shettima said the book serves as an access card to the next phase of hearings in the court of public opinion. He commended Adoke's personal reflections in the book as courageous, resonating with anyone who has walked the corridors of power in Nigeria. The Vice President urged public officials to see themselves as custodians of national memory and stressed the importance of storytelling in preserving the truth for future generations.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised the author's wisdom and courage, describing the book's public presentation as a celebration of victory over deliberate persecution. Represented by former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Jonathan cautioned politicians against recklessness and abuse of office, urging them to commit to justice, fairness, and service to humanity.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State commended the author's commitment and hard work in chronicling his account of stewardship as Attorney General. Makinde noted that the book not only contextualizes the disputed OPL 245 but also examines broader issues of institutional, governance, and justice frameworks in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, emphasizing the need for policy reforms and documentation in public service.
The author, Adoke (SAN), stated that his motivation for writing the book was to set the records straight rather than denigrate any individual or group. He provided insights into the issues surrounding the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Bloc transaction and expressed forgiveness towards those involved in the saga. Adoke called for holistic reforms in Nigeria's justice and public service systems to prevent a recurrence of similar experiences.
Dr. Reuben Abati, former Special Adviser to ex-President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, reviewed the book, agreeing with the author that it serves as a therapeutic account of the allegations and burdens Adoke endured. He emphasized the necessity of documenting facts to set the record straight for posterity and to clear Adoke's name.