By Rafiyat Sadiq
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian politicians to see themselves as partners in nation-building regardless of party affiliation.
Shettima made this call in Abuja on Thursday during the public presentation of a book titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Bloc”, written by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
The vice president said what unites political leaders is stronger than what divides them, stressing the need for unity across the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and other political groups.
Unity Beyond Party Lines
Shettima said the gathering, which included figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, showed the need for unity and collaboration beyond party boundaries. He noted that political competition should not override the shared responsibility of building a better nation.
“We are all one. What binds us together is stronger than what divides us,” Shettima said, while acknowledging the presence of key politicians such as former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others from across PDP, APC, and NNPP.
He also made light-hearted remarks about the political affiliations of some attendees, noting that despite political differences, mutual respect and cooperation must prevail.
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“I Was Public Enemy Number One” – Shettima Recounts Ordeal
Shettima also used the occasion to recount his own experience during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, saying he was labelled “Public Enemy Number One” as Governor of Borno State. He revealed that there were attempts to remove him from office but credited Adoke for standing by the rule of law.
He praised Adoke’s courage and recalled how legal advice from the former AGF and another cabinet member, Kabiru Turaki, prevented an unconstitutional move to remove him as governor. “That was how my relationship with Adoke and Tambuwal became sealed for life,” Shettima said.
Shettima further urged Adoke to forgive those who persecuted him and encouraged Nigerian leaders to document their service for the sake of history.
Adoke Defends Himself, Says He Acted on Presidential Orders
In his remarks, Adoke said he wrote the book to set the record straight and not to attack anyone. He explained that his involvement in the controversial OPL 245 oil deal was based on a presidential directive in 2011 and that he was never a direct party to the deal.
He said he spent years defending himself in courts at home and abroad and was eventually acquitted. “The cost of my malicious prosecution was huge. Taxpayers should not be made to bear such a burden again,” he said.
Adoke added that even though former EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu had apologised to him, he has chosen to forgive everyone responsible for his ordeal.
Governor Makinde, El-Rufai Others Call for Rule of Law, Truth in Governance
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the book, said the event brought together leaders from various parties, offering an opportunity for building elite consensus. He commended Adoke for telling his story.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said the book reflects how critical the rule of law is to democracy, while former Governor El-Rufai said the work encourages a culture of record-keeping in public service. “Let those in power today remember, their time will come too,” El-Rufai warned.
The OPL 245 case, known as the Malabu oil scandal, involved the sale of an oil bloc to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion in 2011. Of that amount, $1.1 billion allegedly went through intermediaries and was paid as bribes to public officials.
Adoke was eventually cleared of wrongdoing both in Nigeria and abroad.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.