Former President Expresses Gratitude at Plateau Christmas Carol
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly expressed his gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon for a personal intervention that helped save his life during his imprisonment under the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo’s acknowledgment came during an interdenominational Christmas Carol organized by the Plateau State Government, where Gowon revealed he had written a letter to Abacha, delivered through his wife Victoria, pleading for Obasanjo’s life to be spared.
Gowon’s Intervention Revealed
Gowon’s revelation, made during the Friday event, was news to Obasanjo, who stated that he had previously been unaware of the personal effort.
“When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity, both while I was in prison and after my release, of hearing about friends inside and outside who contributed to appeals and prayed for my release,” Obasanjo said.
“I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday. I thank you for that.”
Gowon had earlier recounted how he appealed to Abacha, urging him to act in the interest of good leadership rather than pursuing vengeance.
A Spirit of Gratitude and Unity
The event, attended by both former leaders, highlighted themes of faith, unity, and gratitude. Obasanjo commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for organizing the Christmas Carol, which brought people together to celebrate and reflect on community resilience.
“This gathering is a testament to the importance of faith and togetherness in overcoming challenges,” Obasanjo noted.
Background on Obasanjo’s Imprisonment
In 1995, Obasanjo was arrested and accused of plotting a coup against Abacha’s government, a charge he denied. Sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to imprisonment, and he remained incarcerated until Abacha’s death in 1998.
Since his release, Obasanjo has often spoken about the support he received from friends, allies, and global leaders during his ordeal. Gowon’s intervention now adds a new layer to the history of efforts to secure his freedom.
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