Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has addressed General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), who recently claimed he intervened with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life.
Obasanjo was among those imprisoned under Abacha’s regime amid allegations of plotting a coup to overthrow the dictator.
Speaking at the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area over the weekend, Gowon revealed that he had pleaded with Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life.
Among the dignitaries attending the event were Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna from Adamawa State.
In recounting his efforts to prevent Obasanjo’s execution, Gowon shared that he had written a letter to Abacha, urging him to remember that leadership is a divine calling meant for good, not evil. He sought clemency for Obasanjo, personally delivering the letter to Abacha through his wife late at night.
Gowon noted that events took a different turn following that letter and expressed his joy that not only was Obasanjo released after spending three years in prison—imprisoned until Abacha’s death in June 1998—but he subsequently rose to become the country’s president in 1999.
In his response to Gowon’s revelation the following day during the same Christmas carol, Obasanjo admitted he was unaware of Gowon’s efforts until it was mentioned at the event.
He acknowledged the many who fought for his release and expressed gratitude to them both nationally and internationally.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday he made a revelation, and I have to specifically thank you for that. When I was released from prison, I took the opportunity to thank friends, both within and outside the country, who had prayed for and advocated for my freedom.
“I traveled the world thanking those who had worked for my release. However, I did not know that you had written a personal letter advocating for me until you mentioned it yesterday; I sincerely thank you for that,” Obasanjo stated.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his developmental initiatives and peace efforts, urging him to continue serving the people of Plateau State.
It is important to remember that Obasanjo and the late General Murtala Mohammed led a coup that overthrew Yakubu Gowon on July 29, 1975.
