Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) for intervening to save his life during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned by Abacha’s government over allegations of plotting a coup, responded to Gowon’s revelation during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held over the weekend in Jos South, Plateau State.
During the event, Gowon disclosed that he wrote a personal letter to Abacha, urging him to show clemency to Obasanjo. He revealed that his wife delivered the letter in which he reminded Abacha that a leader’s role is to do good, not harm.
Gowon expressed his joy that Obasanjo was released after Abacha’s death in 1998 and later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.
The following day, Obasanjo publicly acknowledged Gowon’s efforts, admitting he was unaware of the intervention until Gowon disclosed it.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, inside and outside the country, who contributed to appeal and pray for my release from prison.
“And I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna.