Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that he personally intervened to save former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution during General Sani Abacha’s regime.
Gowon disclosed this emotional plea during the maiden Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.
Obasanjo, accused of plotting a coup in 1995, was sentenced to death under Abacha’s rule despite denying involvement.
The shocking revelation added a layer of drama to the event, where Obasanjo was also present as the Guest of Honour.
“I Sent My Wife to Abacha in the Dead of Night”
Gowon shared how he sent a heartfelt letter to Abacha, urging him to spare Obasanjo’s life.
“I wrote a letter to Abacha. I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil,” Gowon revealed.
In a dramatic move, he entrusted his wife with delivering the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja.
“I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja. I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen,” Gowon stated.
The plea came at a time when Nigeria was tense, and Obasanjo’s fate hung in the balance.
Obasanjo’s Arrest and Death Sentence
Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 on charges of plotting to overthrow Abacha’s government.
Despite maintaining his innocence, he was convicted and sentenced to death.
However, the execution never took place.
Obasanjo remained in prison for three years until Abacha’s sudden death on June 8, 1998.
Following Abacha’s demise, Obasanjo was released and later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.
“Only Prayers and Sincerity Can Achieve This”
Reflecting on the outcome, Gowon expressed gratitude for the power of prayers and sincerity in resolving such a critical issue.
“I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only that Obasanjo left prison, he became our president in 1999,” Gowon said.
He credited divine intervention and unity as key factors in Nigeria’s journey through turbulent times.
“This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do,” he emphasized.
Unity and Healing Through Carol Festival
Gowon praised the Plateau State Government for organizing the carol festival, which he described as a platform for fostering unity.
He acknowledged the state’s struggles with security challenges and commended the event for bringing people together.
“The state has gone through a myriad of security challenges. This carol provides a suitable avenue for the people to commune,” Gowon noted.
Obasanjo’s Resilience and Political Comeback
Obasanjo’s release from prison and eventual rise to the presidency in 1999 remains one of Nigeria’s most remarkable political comebacks.
