Jonathan Wanted Me Out – Shettima Opens Up On His Darkest Political Battle

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of a book titled “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block” by former Attorney General Mohammed Adoke, Shettima recalled being heavily vilified and treated as a top adversary during the last four years of Jonathan’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

I was the most demonized individual — public enemy number one,” Shettima said.

He revealed that during that turbulent time, President Jonathan seriously considered removing him from office but was dissuaded by key figures within his administration, including then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke; and Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki.

“In one of those high-level meetings attended by the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker, Jonathan brought up the idea of removing the Borno governor,” Shettima recounted.

“Telling truth to power, Tambuwal boldly told Jonathan that he had no constitutional authority to remove even an elected councillor, let alone a sitting governor.”

He added that despite Jonathan’s persistence, the matter was eventually quashed during a Federal Executive Council meeting, when both Adoke and Turaki reaffirmed that such an action would be unconstitutional.

Adoke’s principled stance, according to Shettima, forged a lasting bond between them. “That moment sealed my relationship with Adoke and Tambuwal forever,” he said.

Shettima also noted that, despite the past political hostility, he and Jonathan have since reconciled and moved forward. He further praised Adoke for his integrity, courage, and ability to forgive those who wronged him during his service in public office.