‘A Celebration of Victory Over Persecution’ — Jonathan, Adoke Speak at Memoir Launch

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Mohammed Bello Adoke, who served as attorney-general of the federation (AGF) under his administration, was subjected to a global manhunt in the aftermath of the controversial OPL245 oil block deal.

Jonathan, represented by former Senate President Pius Anyim, made the remark on Thursday during the public presentation of Adoke’s memoir, OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, in Abuja.

“The author of this memoir, Mr. Bello Adoke, was the attorney-general of the federation at that time. He was hunted across the globe,” Jonathan said. “But today, he’s alive, he’s healthy, he’s here to tell his story. Let me, therefore, use this occasion to congratulate Mr. Bello Adoke, my friend and my brother, for his doggedness and to say that I am pleased to join you in celebrating this victory.”

Jonathan said the memoir is not just a book, but “a celebration of victory over persecution,” adding that, “The essence of the author’s effort in documenting his memoir is not only to put the record straight, but to contribute to the cause of truth and justice as the foremost pillars of nation building.”

Adoke, who was charged during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency over his role in the 2011 implementation of the $1.3 billion OPL245 deal involving Shell and Eni, used the book launch to clear his name and extend forgiveness to those who, he said, orchestrated his ordeal.

“Permit me to say that I have forgiven all those who had a hand in my ordeal,” Adoke said. “With the public presentation of this book, I say boldly and clearly that I admired the courage of Ibrahim Mustapha Magu in coming forward to make up with me, apologise to me, and sympathise for the role each and every one of them played in my travail. I have forgiven him.”

He accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of “suppressing evidence and intimidating witnesses to secure conviction” in the OPL245 case, stressing that his actions were in line with lawful directives.

“Although I was not a party to the 2006 agreement which preceded my appointment as the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, my traducers – state and non-state actors – alike ensure that I suffer immense public odium, loss of reputation, and family life for the role I played in ensuring the implementation of an agreement in 2011,” he said.

“I did not set out to denigrate anyone but to set the records straight and provide valuable insights into a transaction that was not only carried out in furtherance of the national interest but also to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interest as it relates to exploitation of our hydrocarbon resources.”

Ultimately, courts in Nigeria, Italy, and the UK cleared Adoke of wrongdoing. International investigations were also dropped for lack of evidence.