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 save his life during his imprisonment.
Obasanjo was detained during Abacha’s regime on allegations of plotting a coup. Speaking at the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, Gowon revealed that he had written a personal letter to Abacha, appealing for clemency on Obasanjo’s behalf.
Gowon shared that he sent the letter through his wife, urging Abacha to act as a leader who does good rather than harm. He expressed gratitude that Obasanjo was not only released after Abacha’s death in June 1998 but also went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999.
The following day at the same event, Obasanjo responded, admitting that he had been unaware of Gowon’s intervention until it was disclosed at the festival.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I must specifically thank you for that. When I came out of prison, I took time to thank friends, both within and outside the country, who appealed and prayed for my release.
“I traveled the world thanking those who supported me, but I did not know you had written a personal letter on my behalf until you mentioned it yesterday. I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.
The event was attended by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, as well as former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, among other prominent figures.