Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has delivered a pointed reminder to officials in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, urging them to lead with accountability and bear in mind that political power is never permanent.
El-Rufai made the remark on Thursday, July 10, during the launch of OPL245: The Inside Story of the $1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc, a book authored by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Under Good luck Jonathan administration
During his remarks at the event, El-Rufai underscored the importance of public officials documenting their experiences through memoirs.
He praised Adoke for publishing the book and encouraged other political figures to follow suit.
“We don’t do this enough in Nigeria,” he noted. “I urge those currently in power to remember that their time will also pass. Everyone eventually has their turn.
”Reflecting on the Malabu oil scandal, El-Rufai credited Adoke with playing a key role in Nigeria’s 2015 peaceful transfer of power, stating that he was instrumental in persuading former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat to Muhammadu Buhari.
“He was among those who supported President Jonathan and encouraged him to accept the election outcome,” El-Rufai said. “As the APC government that came into power in 2015, we ought to appreciate him—not persecute him.
”El-Rufai also revealed that in his conversations with former President Muhammadu Buhari, there was no sign of a personal vendetta against Adoke. He emphasized that Buhari was primarily focused on ensuring the rule of law was upheld.
The Malabu oil scandal—also referred to as the OPL 245 case—centers on the controversial 2011 sale of one of Nigeria’s most lucrative oil blocs to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion. Allegations later emerged that $1.1 billion of that sum was diverted through intermediaries and used to pay bribes to Nigerian officials.
Adoke, who faced accusations of complicity in the deal under Buhari’s administration, has since been cleared of all charges by both Nigerian and international courts.
El-Rufai concluded by saying he was eager to read the book in full to gain better insight into the incident and the behind-the-scenes dynamics surrounding it.
