Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly expressed gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) for intervening to save his life during his imprisonment under the late General Sani Abacha’s regime. Gowon revealed this intervention during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Plateau State, over the weekend.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned by the Abacha government over allegations of a coup plot, was unaware of Gowon’s efforts until the disclosure. Gowon shared how he wrote a letter to Abacha through his wife, appealing for clemency, emphasizing that leadership should be about doing good, not harm. He expressed joy that Obasanjo was released after Abacha’s death in 1998 and later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.
In response, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon’s role:
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon… I thank you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I went around thanking those who contributed to my release. But I did not know you wrote a personal letter until you said it yesterday.”
The event was attended by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, along with other dignitaries, highlighting its significance as a moment of unity and reconciliation.