Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has launched a memoir, which details his ordeal in the controversial OPL 245 oil block deal.
The memoir titled “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block” was launched on Thursday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja and had notable personalities in attendance.
Speaking during the event, Adoke stated that he had forgiven all those behind his prosecution over the case, drew local and international attention.
The ex-AGF made it clear that the memoir was not published to blame any individual, but to offer his personal account of the events surrounding the 2011 transaction which involved Shell and Eni.
“This book is not written to denigrate anyone,” he said. “It is meant to put the records straight and offer my account of what transpired.
“I have forgiven everyone behind my ordeal. After the verdicts of the various courts, I initially returned to exile. It was Vice President Kashim Shettima who encouraged me to return and bring closure to the matter,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, VP Shettima praised Adoke for standing by his convictions.
“I commend you for forgiving all those that offended you during your ordeal. I admire Adoke for standing by his convictions,” Shettima said.
The VP emphasised the role of storytelling in public service and history, adding that such stories “belong to the public and to history.”
” Every accused must speak. The pages of this book will inspire debate,” he stated.
Stressing the importance of transparency in Nigeria’s oil industry, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki stated that there was a need to make sure that the process is more accountable to the public.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai commended Adoke’s memoir, stating that “such accounts are necessary to help the public understand the experiences of those who have been accused and tried.
“They enable those persecuted to put things in perspective,” El-Rufai said.
See photos from the event below
