Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), for intervening with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during his imprisonment under Abacha’s regime.
Obasanjo, who was jailed on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, stated that he was unaware of Gowon’s intervention until it was recently disclosed.
He made this revelation over the weekend at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, which was held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area.
The previous day at the same event, Gowon had disclosed that he wrote a personal letter to Abacha, appealing for clemency for Obasanjo.
He revealed that the letter, delivered through his wife, urged Abacha to use his position as a leader to “do good, not harm.”
Gowon expressed relief that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal but also went on to serve as Nigeria’s president in 1999, following his release in 1998 after Abacha’s death.
In response, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon’s intervention, stating he had been unaware of it until Gowon’s recent disclosure.
Obasanjo said, “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.”
The event, aimed at fostering unity, also attracted prominent figures, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, among other dignitaries.
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