Obasanjo Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Gowon for Pleading with Abacha to Spare His Life
FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO PAYS TRIBUTE TO GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON FOR SAVING HIS LIFE DURING ABACHA REGIME
Jos, Plateau State – In a poignant moment of reflection on Nigeria’s complex political history, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed heartfelt gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, for pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the Abacha regime.
Obasanjo’s imprisonment was a result of allegations of plotting a coup against Abacha’s government. Speaking at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Obasanjo revealed that he was unaware of Gowon’s intervention until recently.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
GOWON’S INTERVENTION
Gowon had earlier disclosed that he wrote a personal letter to Abacha, urging him to show clemency to Obasanjo. The letter was delivered through his wife, and Gowon emphasized to Abacha that his role as a leader was to do good, not harm.
“A leader’s role is to do good, not to harm. I wrote a personal letter to General Abacha, asking him to show clemency to President Obasanjo,” Gowon said.
OBASANJO’S TRIBUTE
Obasanjo’s expression of gratitude is a significant moment of reflection on Nigeria’s history, given the complex political past between Gowon and Obasanjo. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and former governors Jonah Jang and Joshua Dariye.
“General Gowon’s intervention was a significant factor in my release from prison. I am eternally grateful to him for his kindness and compassion,” Obasanjo said.
The tribute by Obasanjo is a testament to the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in Nigerian politics.
