Adoke Faced Global Pursuit Over OPL 245 Deal, Says Former President Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan revealed that Mohammed Adoke, ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, faced intense global scrutiny over the controversial OPL 245 oil deal.
Speaking through former Senate President Pius Anyim at the public presentation of Adoke’s memoir, OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, in Abuja on Thursday, Jonathan shared insights into the challenges Adoke endured.
Jonathan explained that after his administration ended in 2015, a wave of targeted persecution was launched against his former officials, with Adoke being a primary target. “The author of this memoir, Mr. Bello Adoke, was the Attorney-General of the Federation at that time.
He was hunted across the globe. But today, he’s alive, he’s healthy, and he’s here to tell his story,” Jonathan said.
Describing the memoir as a courageous effort, Jonathan praised Adoke for setting the record straight. He called the book a vital contribution to justice and nation-building, emphasizing Adoke’s resilience. “He’s a friend and brother who withstood intense pressure,” Jonathan noted.
The former president also reflected on the responsibilities of public office, urging leaders to act with integrity. “Power belongs to God.
The best anyone who is blessed with the opportunity of holding public office should do is to commit to the assignment and use the opportunity to uphold truth, justice, and fairness,” he stated.
Jonathan stressed that justice is essential for societal progress and commended Adoke for documenting his experiences to preserve truth and strengthen democratic values. “To some, the occasion may be a book presentation. To others, it is a celebration of victory over persecution,” he concluded.
