Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd) for intervening to save his life during his imprisonment under General Sani Abacha’s regime. Obasanjo, detained over allegations of plotting a coup, revealed he was unaware of Gowon’s efforts until a recent event.
During the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, Gowon shared that he had written a personal letter to Abacha through his wife, urging clemency for Obasanjo. Gowon emphasized that leadership should focus on doing good, not harm, and expressed relief that Obasanjo was released after Abacha’s death in 1998, later serving as Nigeria’s president from 1999.
Acknowledging the revelation, Obasanjo thanked Gowon publicly, noting he had previously traveled the world to express gratitude to those who advocated for his release but had not known about Gowon’s letter.
The event, which attracted dignitaries such as Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, highlighted the enduring significance of compassion and advocacy in leadership.