How Jonathan attempted to remove me as Borno gov – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has recounted being heavily targeted during the closing years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, describing himself as the “most demonised” individual in the country at the time.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Shettima made the statement at the unveiling of OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigeria Oil Block, a new book authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.

“In the last four years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, I was the most demonised person; I was the public enemy number one,” Shettima said.

He recalled private deliberations involving key national leaders, where discussions were held over a proposal to remove him as Borno State governor—a move he said originated from the presidency.

“There are two gentlemen seated here. Certain decisions are taken in a very rare peace circle. The President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“In one of such conclaves, former President Goodluck Jonathan, with whom we have sheathed the sword and have now recalibrated our relationship, was muting the idea of removing this Borno governor.

“Aminu Tambuwal, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, had the courage to tell the President that your Excellency, you don’t have the powers to remove an elected councillor.

“The President was still not convinced, he muted the idea at the Federal Executive Council.”

Shettima said that even at the Federal Executive Council, the idea was floated again, but it was Adoke who firmly dismissed it as unconstitutional.

“He (Mr Adoke) told the then President that Mr President you do not have the powers to remove a sitting governor, not even a councillor.

“They sought for the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who said I’m concurring with the opinion of my senior colleague.

“That was how the matter was laid to rest but that was how my relationship with Mr Adoke and Aminu Tambuwal became eternally sealed,” he stated.

Shettima went on to praise Adoke for his principles and willingness to act according to his convictions. He also commended the former AGF for his ability to let go of past grievances encountered during his service in public office.

The book in question, a 26-chapter volume, explores the events surrounding the controversial OPL 245 deal—also known as the Malabu oil scandal—in which oil giants Shell and Eni paid $1.3 billion in 2011 to secure rights to one of Nigeria’s richest offshore oil fields.

Estimates suggest the oil block contains up to nine billion barrels of crude.