Buhari's Administration Harassed Jonathan's Officials Over Malabu Oil Deal Scandal, Former President Alleges

Strategic Insights -

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made a shocking claim against the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, stating that they harassed his key officials over the Malabu Oil deal scandal, specifically referencing the OPL-245 case. The controversy surrounds the 2011 acquisition of Oil Prospecting Licence 245 by Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion, with allegations that $1.1 billion was routed as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians. Jonathan revealed that after his tenure ended in 2015, Buhari's government launched a global manhunt against his key officers, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, who has now written a memoir detailing his experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration allegedly launched a global manhunt against former President Goodluck Jonathan's key officials, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, over the OPL-245 case.
  • The OPL-245 case involves the 2011 acquisition of Oil Prospecting Licence 245 by Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion, with allegations that $1.1 billion was routed as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians.
  • Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, was hunted globally over the OPL-245 matter but is now alive and healthy, and has written a memoir titled 'OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block'.
  • Former President Jonathan emphasized the importance of justice, fairness, and integrity in public service, warning that societies that fail to uphold these values will neither have peace nor make progress.
  • Jonathan urged public officeholders to remain committed to truth, justice, and fairness.
  • Bello Adoke's memoir provides a firsthand account of his experience while serving as Attorney-General of the Federation during the period of the OPL-245 scandal.

Statistics:

  • $1.3 billion: The amount paid by Shell and Eni for Oil Prospecting Licence 245 in 2011.
  • $1.1 billion: The alleged amount routed as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians in the OPL-245 case.
  • 2011: The year the OPL-245 deal was concluded.
  • 2015: The year former President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure ended.

Sources:

  • "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigerian Oil Block" by Bello Adoke.
  • Public presentation of Bello Adoke's memoir.
  • Statement by Former President Goodluck Jonathan through former Senate President Pius Anyim.