Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed surprise upon learning that General Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state, had written to the late General Sani Abacha, requesting that he spare his life.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Saturday night at the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, organized by the Plateau State government.
Obasanjo’s comments came after Gowon disclosed earlier that he had personally written to Abacha, urging him to release Obasanjo, who had been imprisoned in 1995 under charges of plotting a coup.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described Gowon’s statement as a “revelation” and expressed his gratitude for the former head of state’s efforts. “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon,” Obasanjo said. “Yesterday, he gave us here a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that.”
He went on to explain that after his release from prison, he had spent years thanking those who helped in his appeal and prayers for his freedom, including both friends and supporters inside and outside Nigeria. However, he was unaware of Gowon’s direct involvement in his release until hearing the statement on Saturday.
“I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday – I thank you for that,” Obasanjo remarked.
In 1995, Obasanjo was arrested by the Abacha regime under accusations of plotting a coup against the military government. Following Abacha’s sudden death in 1998, Obasanjo was freed and later went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999, elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Gowon’s revelation adds a new dimension to the history of Obasanjo’s incarceration and release, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure his freedom.
