Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, for his role in securing Obasanjo’s release from prison during the regime of the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha. Obasanjo was imprisoned over an alleged coup plot to overthrow Abacha.
Speaking in Plateau State over the weekend, Obasanjo revealed that he was unaware of Gowon’s efforts to plead with Abacha for his release.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo further expressed his appreciation, stating, “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”.
Earlier, General Gowon had disclosed that he wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him to show clemency to Obasanjo. Gowon emphasized that he told Abacha, “God made you a leader to do good, not evil,” and sought clemency for Obasanjo .
According to Gowon, he sent the letter to Abacha through his wife, who delivered it to Abacha in Abuja during the night. Gowon noted that significant changes occurred following this communication .
Gowon expressed his joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal but also went on to serve as Nigeria’s president in 1999.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna.
