Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to General Yakubu Gowon’s (Rtd.), claim of intervening to save his life during the regime of late General Sani Abacha.
The revelation came during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area.
General Gowon disclosed during the event that he had written a personal letter to Abacha, urging clemency for Obasanjo, who was imprisoned on charges of plotting a coup against the government.
Gowon explained that he sent the letter through his wife, reminding Abacha of the responsibility of leaders to do good, not harm. He expressed joy that Obasanjo was eventually freed after Abacha’s death in 1998 and went on to lead Nigeria as president in 1999.
In response, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon’s role in securing his freedom, noting that he was unaware of the intervention until it was publicly disclosed. Reflecting on the revelation, Obasanjo stated:
“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.