Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), a former Head of State, for pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the military regime’s crackdown on alleged coup plotters.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned by Abacha’s regime in 1995 over accusations of plotting to overthrow the government, revealed his appreciation during the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The event, which spanned the weekend, was graced by notable figures, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa State), and other dignitaries.
During the event, Gowon recounted how he intervened to save Obasanjo from execution. He explained that he wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him to act with compassion and not carry out the execution. “God made you a leader to do good, not evil,” Gowon said he wrote in the letter, which was delivered to Abacha in Abuja by his wife late at night. He expressed joy that Obasanjo, after spending three years in prison, was released following Abacha’s death in June 1998 and went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999.
The next day, Obasanjo, visibly moved by the revelation, responded publicly, acknowledging that he had been unaware of Gowon’s intervention until it was mentioned at the carol event.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon,” Obasanjo began. “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 the appeals and prayers for my release.
“I went around the world thanking those who supported my freedom, but I did not know you wrote a personal letter for my release until you mentioned it yesterday. I thank you for that,” he said.
Obasanjo also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his developmental initiatives and peace efforts in Plateau State, urging him to continue working for the benefit of the people.
The relationship between Obasanjo and Gowon has been historically significant. Notably, Obasanjo and the late General Murtala Mohammed overthrew Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975, ending Gowon’s rule. Despite their past, the two statesmen have continued to collaborate on matters of national unity and progress.
