Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday revisited his near-removal as Governor of Borno State during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, crediting former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), for thwarting the plan.
Speaking at the public presentation of Adoke’s memoir “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” Shettima revealed that Jonathan had considered removing him from office, but Tambuwal intervened, warning the president that he had no constitutional power to depose an elected governor.
The vice president added that Adoke opposed the idea at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), insisting it was unconstitutional. He also named another cabinet member, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, who backed Adoke’s stance, effectively ending the removal bid.
“In the last four years of the Jonathan administration, I was the most demonised governor. President Jonathan considered removing me, but Tambuwal courageously told him, ‘Your Excellency, you don’t have the power to remove an elected councillor, let alone a governor,'” Shettima said.
He praised Adoke for his integrity and courage, saying, “He stood by the law. That is how my bond with Tambuwal and Adoke became unbreakable.”
Shettima used the occasion to advocate for transparency in public service, urging former and serving officials to document their stewardship for posterity. “Public service must be remembered and preserved. We owe the nation our stories,” he said.
Referencing the recent removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu—who declared a state of emergency amid a political standoff with minister Nyesom Wike—Shettima said the National Assembly had similarly played a crucial role in saving his office during Jonathan’s era.
Jonathan Reacts, Backs Adoke
Former President Jonathan, represented by ex-SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, lamented that his administration’s successors went after several of his top officials, including Adoke. He congratulated Adoke for his resilience and said the book serves not just as a memoir, but as a record of truth and justice.
“Any society that fails to uphold justice and fairness cannot progress. This book is a celebration of victory over persecution,” Jonathan said.
Makinde, El-Rufai Weigh In
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State noted that the book raises broader questions about resource governance and the long-term impact of public sector decisions. “This is not just about oil; it’s about transparency, national interest, and the responsibilities of office—even under pressure.”
He stressed the importance of record-keeping, saying, “We live in a country where narratives are quickly lost in headlines. What Adoke has done is necessary—history must be documented, contested, and clarified.”
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended Adoke’s decision to publish his account. “We don’t write enough memoirs in this country. This book is important to understand the roles people played, including in persuading Jonathan to concede the 2015 election,” he said.
Adoke: I Forgive, But Set the Record Straight
In his remarks, Adoke said he did not write the book to attack anyone but to correct misconceptions. He claimed his role in the controversial OPL 245 deal was in line with presidential directives and national interest.
“Though I was not part of the 2006 settlement agreement that preceded my appointment, I was vilified for implementing it in 2011. I’ve endured loss of reputation and personal hardship for simply doing my job,” he said.
He criticised both local and international anti-corruption bodies for unethical practices and politically motivated prosecutions. “Prosecutors in Milan were jailed for suppressing evidence. In Nigeria, those who acted similarly walked free,” Adoke stated.
Despite the ordeal, he said he had forgiven everyone involved in his persecution. He acknowledged former EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu for reaching out to make peace and offering an apology.
● Video Source: Channels TV
