Key Points

• Obasanjo thanks Gowon for intervening during his imprisonment.
• Gowon’s letter to Abacha reportedly helped secure Obasanjo’s release.
• Obasanjo urges continued development efforts in Plateau State.

Nigeria’s previous chief of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (ret.), was hailed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo for pleading with the late Gen. Sani Abacha to spare him during the military regime’s crackdown on suspected coup plotters.

Obasanjo expresses gratitude for Gowon’s intervention

In reaction to Gowon’s statements at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Friday, Obasanjo, who was imprisoned during Abacha’s reign, made the remarks.

Gowon described his intervention during the event, stating that he had personally written to Abacha to request pardon for Obasanjo.

Gowon remarked, “I told him [Abacha] that God made him a leader to do good, not evil.”

Gowon went on to say that the letter that his wife had brought to Abacha seemed to alter the situation. He was happy that Obasanjo not only lived but also took office as president in 1999.

Obasanjo reveals he didn’t know about Gowon’s letter

Obasanjo replied the following day, acknowledging that he was not aware of Gowon’s action until it was made public at the festival.

“I thanked everyone who prayed and appealed for my release during my trip around the world, but I didn’t know you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I appreciate that,” Obasanjo added.

Additionally, Obasanjo commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts to promote peace and urged him to keep up his efforts to advance the state.

According to businessday, prominent individuals attended the occasion, including Gov. Mutfwang and previous Adamawa governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna.

Given the political ties between Gowon and Obasanjo, who were involved in the coup that overthrew Gowon’s government in 1975, the event was a crucial time for considering Nigeria’s past.