Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a powerful address at the public launch of ex-Attorney General Mohammed Adoke’s memoir, revealed the intense global pursuit faced by Adoke during the OPL 245 oil block scandal. The memoir, ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block,’ chronicles Adoke’s experiences amid the highly contentious case.
Adoke, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney General under Jonathan, was notably absent for much of the investigation that saw several of his colleagues pursued internationally following the corruption scandal. Speaking at the event, Jonathan, who was represented by former Senate President Pius Anyim, noted how Adoke was “hunted across the globe” after his administration ended in 2015. This period, Jonathan said, marked a time when “the succeeding government launched what many people saw as a manhunt against key officers” of his administration.
Jonathan further praised Adoke’s resilience, highlighting that despite the global scrutiny, the former AGF had remained “alive, healthy, and here to tell his story.” He congratulated Adoke on his “doggedness” in persevering through these trying times and underscored the importance of his memoir in setting the record straight.
Adoke’s memoir, which Jonathan described as upholding the truth, serves not only as a personal account but also as a valuable contribution to the cause of justice and truth in the building of a nation. Jonathan stressed the importance of fairness in leadership, stating, “Any society or organisation that does not promote justice and fairness will neither have peace nor make progress.” He encouraged everyone in positions of power to use their authority responsibly and work towards fairness.
The OPL 245 Case
The OPL 245 oil block, awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas in 1998 under the Sani Abacha administration, became infamous after it was embroiled in global corruption investigations. The case centers around the sale of Malabu’s stake in the oil block to Shell and Eni in 2011 for a staggering $1.1 billion. As part of the transaction, the companies paid a $210 million signature bonus to the Nigerian government, further fuelling the controversy.
The scandal sparked a series of criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits, attracting international scrutiny. The legal battles and the high-profile nature of the case left a lasting impact on the parties involved, including Adoke, who continues to fight to clear his name.
Jonathan’s comments on Adoke’s memoir shed light on the complexities of the case and the profound personal toll it took on those involved, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s history of oil governance and the challenges of transparency in resource management.