Vice President Kashim Shettima made a startling revelation on Thursday, describing himself as the most vilified political figure during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration (2011-2015). Speaking at the Abuja launch of a book about Nigeria’s controversial Malabu oil deal, the former Borno State governor shared previously unknown details about how Jonathan’s government allegedly tried to remove him from office illegally.
Shettima recalled how he became “public enemy number one” after opposing certain policies of the Jonathan administration, claiming the former president once sought to oust him through unconstitutional means during closed-door meetings with Nigeria’s top leaders. His survival, he noted, was only possible because of courageous interventions by then-House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Attorney General Mohammed Adoke, who insisted the constitution protected elected governors from arbitrary removal.
The Vice President’s remarks came during the presentation of “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigeria Oil Block,” a book detailing one of Nigeria’s most infamous corruption cases involving Shell and Eni’s controversial oil block purchase. Shettima used the occasion to reflect on his turbulent political journey from being a target of federal persecution to now serving as Nigeria’s second-highest official.
Explosive Revelations
✔ Plot to Remove Shettima: Jonathan allegedly considered ousting him as governor
✔ Constitutional Showdown: Adoke and Tambuwal blocked the move as illegal
✔ Political Revenge: Shettima suggests persecution for opposing Jonathan
✔ Unlikely Alliance: Now reconciled with former foes
How the Drama Unfolded
- Secret Meeting: Jonathan reportedly floated removal idea among top 4 leaders
- Tambuwal’s Pushback: House Speaker declared it unconstitutional
- FEC Showdown: Adoke and Turaki (SAN) killed the plan at cabinet level
- Aftermath: Shettima’s “eternal bond” with his defenders
Why This Matters Now
🔹 Reveals deep PDP-era tensions within Nigeria’s power circles
🔹 Highlights Adoke’s controversial role in Jonathan’s government
🔹 Shows Shettima’s survival instincts in high-stakes politics
🔹 Comes as Tinubu administration faces its own governance crises
Shettima’s Quote:
“In those days, I was public enemy number one. Today, we’ve sheathed swords with Jonathan – but those battles shaped me.”
About the Book
The 26-chapter exposé details the infamous Malabu oil scandal where Shell/Eni paid $1.3bn for OPL 245 in deals now under global corruption probes.
