On July 10, 2025, prominent Nigerian publisher and PDP Chieftain Dele Momodu has taken to his official Instagram account to praise Vice President Kashim Shettima’s speech at the launch of former Attorney General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke’s memoir, “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block.” Momodu highlighted Shettima’s recounting of a crucial discussion where Adoke informed former President Goodluck Jonathan of the constitutional limits on presidential power over elected officials.
In his post, Momodu wrote, “Fantastic speech about how Democracy works… ‘Mr. President, you don’t have the power to remove a sitting governor, not even a councillor’ – Vice President Kashim Shettima recounts a discussion former AGF Mohammed Bello Adoke had with former President Jonathan.” This statement is said to underscore the importance of constitutional governance and the separation of powers within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Momodu’s reaction is said to come at a time when the political landscape is marked by contrasting actions, such as President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on March 18, 2025, justified by the current Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. This move has reignited debates on the extent of executive authority over state governance, making Shettima’s recounting particularly poignant.
According to Channels Television, Adoke’s memoir, launched at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, details his role in the controversial OPL 245 oil block deal, aiming to clarify his actions amidst allegations of corruption. Shettima’s speech not only honored Adoke’s legal stance but also served as a reminder of the principles that should guide democratic governance in Nigeria.
