Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on both serving and former public officials to embrace transparency and accountability by documenting their stewardship in office, declaring that life itself is continuous litigation with no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.

Speaking yesterday at the public presentation of the memoir, “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Oil Block”, authored by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, Shettima stressed that public service must be remembered, scrutinised, and preserved as part of the nation’s collective history.

“Each of us who has had the privilege of serving this country owes the people an account of our stewardship. Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the nation. They belong to history,” the Vice President stated

Reflecting on the controversial OPL 245 transaction, Shettima said the book symbolises an entry into the court of public opinion and reinforces the duty of public figures to contribute to national memory. He likened public life to an unending legal process, where the conscience and judgment of posterity serve as the eternal tribunal.

“There is no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice. There is no permanent discharge in the reckoning of history. We are always being summoned, not by a judge, but by conscience and posterity,” he said.

He decried the culture of secrecy entrenched in public institutions, insisting that leaders must find the courage to break the silence and tell their stories.

Commending Adoke for his courage, Shettima said the memoir’s tone, declaring the author “bloodied but unbowed”, will resonate with anyone familiar with the pressure and pitfalls of Nigerian politics.

“There is no doubt those named in this book will tell their side of the story. That, indeed, is how history finds its balance. Every witness must speak. Every accused must speak. Every participant must speak,” he added.

Earlier, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion and was represented by ex-Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, praised Adoke’s courage in chronicling his trials and triumphs. He described the memoir as a celebration of resilience in the face of intimidation and character assassination.

Jonathan also warned public officeholders against impunity and advocated commitment to justice, fairness and service to humanity.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State lauded the author’s dedication, saying the book goes beyond the disputed OPL 245 deal to examine broader institutional and governance issues in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

In his remarks, Adoke said the book was not written to vilify anyone but to set the record straight and shed light on the intricacies of the $1.3 billion oil bloc transaction. While revealing the personal and professional toll the saga took on his life, he said he held no grudge against those involved.

Reviewing the book, former media adviser to President Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati, described it as “therapeutic” and essential reading for setting the record straight.

“Adoke’s OPL 245 is a necessary account to correct the lies told against him, document the facts, and preserve the truth for posterity,” Abati said.