Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) after Gowon revealed that he had personally pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life during the latter’s imprisonment.
Gowon made the revelation during the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, where he spoke of his efforts to prevent Obasanjo’s execution.
He explained that he wrote a letter to Abacha, appealing for clemency for Obasanjo, who had been incarcerated by the Abacha regime on charges of plotting a coup to overthrow the military dictator.
Gowon mentioned that he had sent the letter through his wife, who delivered it to Abacha in the night, urging Abacha to act with mercy as a leader chosen by God to do good.
Obasanjo, reacting to this disclosure the following day at the same event, admitted that he was unaware of Gowon’s efforts until the revelation. He expressed his appreciation, acknowledging that many people, both within Nigeria and internationally, had worked for his release during his three years in prison.
Obasanjo went on to thank Gowon specifically for his personal involvement, emphasising how important it was to learn of his intervention.
Obasanjo, who was released from prison following Abacha’s death in 1998, went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999. He noted that after his release, he had made efforts to personally thank those who contributed to his freedom, but Gowon’s actions had been a surprise to him.
Obasanjo also took the opportunity to commend Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts in development and peace initiatives in the state, encouraging him to continue his work for the betterment of the people.
This moment marks a rare public acknowledgment of the complexities of Nigeria’s political history, especially given the past rivalry between Obasanjo and Gowon, following their roles in the 1975 coup that ousted Gowon from power.
