Official Statement from the Office of the Vice President
The Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the widespread misrepresentation and sensational reporting of recent comments made by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. These remarks were delivered during the official public presentation of the book titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” authored by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
False Media Narratives Distorting the Context
Contrary to certain media reports circulating across both traditional and online platforms, the Vice President did not, at any point, make defamatory or accusatory statements regarding the actions or motivations of the former administration under President Goodluck Jonathan. It is highly regrettable that some outlets have chosen to twist his narrative in a manner that fuels unnecessary political controversy and misinformation.
Background: The Book and the Occasion
The Vice President was invited to deliver remarks at the launch of a critical national publication that chronicles the intricacies surrounding the controversial OPL 245 oil block transaction—a matter of significant legal and historical interest in Nigeria’s governance and economic landscape.
His comments were directed at sharing personal reflections on Nigeria’s leadership challenges, the resilience of public servants under duress, and his lived experience during a turbulent period when the North East region, particularly Borno State, faced the worst onslaught of insurgency in recent history.
What the Vice President Actually Said
In his speech, Vice President Shettima referenced a time when, as the Governor of Borno State, he faced extreme security threats amid the Boko Haram crisis. He recalled that during this period, some elements within the national leadership explored the idea of declaring a state of emergency in Borno State—an action that could have led to his removal from office.
Importantly, the Vice President’s intent was not to malign the former administration but to contextualize the atmosphere of uncertainty and political tension that pervaded Nigeria’s security and governance environment at the time.
Deliberate Misrepresentation by Some Media Outlets
It is unfortunate that sections of the media have chosen to isolate this comment and frame it as a targeted political allegation against former President Goodluck Jonathan. The Vice President did not suggest any malicious intent or wrongdoing on the part of the former President. Rather, his remarks were intended to offer a broader reflection on governance, courage, and the often unseen pressures of leadership during national emergencies.
The distortion of this message for headlines and sensational reporting undermines not only the credibility of those media platforms but also the integrity of public discourse in Nigeria.
Emphasis on Historical Accuracy and Responsibility
The Office of the Vice President reiterates that His Excellency, Senator Shettima, remains committed to upholding decorum, truth, and historical accuracy in all public engagements. He has consistently advocated for respectful dialogue and institutional memory, especially when addressing sensitive national issues.
Political figures, past or present, should not be made scapegoats of misinterpretations rooted in poor journalistic ethics or deliberate mischief. Nigeria’s democracy is better served by balanced and factual reporting that respects context and nuance.
Call for Responsible Journalism
This unfortunate episode serves as a reminder of the growing need for responsible journalism in Nigeria. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, fostering accountability, and preserving the truth. It must therefore resist the temptation to chase clickbait narratives at the expense of truth and national unity.
The Office calls on media stakeholders, editors, and reporters to fact-check and contextualize political statements before publication. It is only through accurate, fair, and ethical reporting that the Nigerian media can uphold its reputation as a pillar of democracy.
