Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed profound gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) after Gowon revealed that he had personally intervened to save Obasanjo’s life during the dark days of General Sani Abacha’s regime.
Obasanjo, who had been imprisoned by the Abacha government on charges of plotting to overthrow the regime, spent several years behind bars before being released following Abacha’s death in 1998.
The revelation by Gowon came during the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area over the weekend. Gowon, while addressing the gathering, disclosed how he had made behind-the-scenes efforts to secure Obasanjo’s release, including writing a personal letter to Abacha pleading for mercy. Gowon expressed immense joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal of imprisonment but also went on to become the President of Nigeria in 1999, after Abacha’s sudden death.
In response to this revelation, Obasanjo expressed his heartfelt thanks, acknowledging that many people had worked tirelessly to ensure his release from prison, both from within Nigeria and internationally. He mentioned that after his release, he took time to personally thank those who had supported him during his imprisonment. However, he admitted that he was unaware of Gowon’s specific involvement in his case until the latter’s recent comments. He expressed deep appreciation for Gowon’s efforts, noting that he had not known of the letter Gowon had written on his behalf.
“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, addressing Gowon. “When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, inside and outside the country, who contributed to appeal and pray for my release from prison. And I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo continued, clearly moved by the gesture.
The event in Jos was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, among others. The occasion provided an opportunity for many to reflect on the difficult period in Nigeria’s history and to celebrate the bonds of friendship and solidarity that helped to overcome them.
Obasanjo’s remarks were not only a recognition of Gowon’s personal efforts but also a reflection of the broader political journey that saw him rise from imprisonment to the presidency. His comments underscore the complex and sometimes hidden networks of support that shaped his eventual return to power after the death of Abacha.
