Obasanjo Thanks Gowon for Plea to Spare His Life During Abacha's Regime
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) for his efforts to spare his life during the regime of the late military ruler General Sani Abacha. Obasanjo's remarks came in response to Gowon's recent revelation that he had pleaded with Abacha not to execute Obasanjo, who was imprisoned for three years on allegations of plotting a coup. During the first Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held in Du, Jos South LGA, Gowon recounted how he wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him to spare Obasanjo’s life. He sent the letter through his wife to be delivered to Abacha in the middle of the night, emphasizing that leaders are called to do good, not evil. Gowon noted that after this intervention, circumstances changed, leading to Obasanjo's eventual release following Abacha's death in June 1998. In a follow-up appearance at the same Christmas carol event, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon's efforts, stating that he was unaware of the personal letter until Gowon mentioned it. “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday he made a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that,” Obasanjo said. He reflected on the many individuals who worked for his release and confirmed that he had traveled the world thanking those who prayed and advocated for him during his imprisonment.
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