Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed surprise and gratitude after learning that General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, had personally intervened with General Sani Abacha to spare his life during his imprisonment.
The revelation came during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, where both Gowon and Obasanjo were present.
A Life-Saving Letter
Gowon, speaking at the event, disclosed that he had written a letter to Abacha, urging him to show clemency towards Obasanjo, who had been arrested by Abacha’s regime in 1995 for allegedly plotting a coup.
Obasanjo had been sentenced to death after his arrest, and his imprisonment became a high-profile case of political persecution.
Gowon revealed that he had sent the letter to Abacha through his wife, emphasizing that leaders were meant to do good, not harm.
He expressed relief that Obasanjo was eventually released after Abacha’s death in 1998 and went on to serve as Nigeria’s president in 1999.
Obasanjo’s Surprising Revelation
Obasanjo, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour, responded emotionally to the disclosure, stating that he had never known about Gowon’s intervention until that moment.
“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.”
Obasanjo continued, explaining that when he was released from prison, he had thanked numerous individuals and groups who had prayed and worked for his freedom.
“But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” he added.
Gowon’s Act of Courage
Gowon’s intervention is seen as a courageous act, especially considering the political climate of the time.
Abacha’s regime was notorious for its harsh crackdown on perceived enemies, and many, including Obasanjo, faced long prison sentences or worse for challenging the government.
The late General Sani Abacha had arrested several political figures, accusing them of plotting to overthrow his military government.
Despite the allegations, Obasanjo consistently maintained his innocence and spent three years in prison before his eventual release following Abacha’s sudden death in 1998.
Obasanjo’s Reflections
At the Christmas carol event, Obasanjo took a moment to reflect on the support he had received from both within and outside Nigeria during his time in prison.
He spoke of the many people who had prayed for his release, acknowledging their efforts and the impact they had on his eventual freedom.
However, the revelation of Gowon’s personal letter added a new dimension to Obasanjo’s understanding of the support he had received.
The former president, visibly moved, thanked Gowon for his actions, calling it a significant part of his journey to freedom.
A Moment of Unity
The event, which was held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, also served as a platform for unity in Plateau State.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was present, alongside several former governors, including Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna.
The event aimed to bring people together to celebrate the spirit of unity and peace, particularly in a state that has faced significant security challenges in recent years.
Gowon’s revelation, coupled with Obasanjo’s acknowledgment, symbolized the power of reconciliation and the importance of personal connections in Nigerian politics.
