Former President Jonathan Accuses Buhari's Administration of Launching Witch-Hunt Against His Former Officials

Strategic Insights -

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of launching a witch-hunt against key officials of his government after he left office in 2015. Jonathan made the accusation while speaking at the launch of a book titled "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block" written by former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke. The book revolves around the OPL-245 scandal, also known as the Malabu Oil deal, which involves the sale of Nigeria's Oil Prospecting Licence 245 to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion in 2011. Investigations revealed that $1.1 billion of the sum was allegedly channelled through intermediaries as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the Buhari administration of launching a witch-hunt against key officials of his government after he left office in 2015.
  • The accusation was made at the launch of a book titled "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block" written by former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke.
  • Jonathan praised Adoke's decision to write the book as a contribution to truth and accountability, stating that "the essence of Adoke documenting his memoir was not only to set the record straight but to contribute to the cause of truth and justice."
  • The OPL-245 scandal, also known as the Malabu Oil deal, revolves around the 2011 sale of Nigeria's Oil Prospecting Licence 245 to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion, with $1.1 billion allegedly channelled through intermediaries as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians.
  • Adoke, who was accused of involvement in the deal, was later cleared of all charges in Nigeria and abroad.
  • Jonathan stressed that justice, truth, and fairness are vital to building any nation, stating that "any society or organisation that does not promote justice and fairness will neither have peace nor make progress."

Statistics:

  • The OPL-245 scandal involved the sale of Nigeria's Oil Prospecting Licence 245 to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion in 2011.
  • $1.1 billion of the sum was allegedly channelled through intermediaries as bribes to Nigerian officials and politicians.
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan left office in 2015.
  • Mohammed Adoke served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice during Jonathan's tenure.
  • The book "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block" documents the events surrounding the OPL-245 scandal.

Sources:

  • "Former President Jonathan Accuses Buhari's Administration of Launching Witch-Hunt Against His Former Officials" (The Guardian Nigeria)
  • "Buhari's Witch-Hunt: Jonathan Congratulates Adoke on Memoir Launch" (Premium Times)
  • "OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block" (book by Mohammed Adoke)