Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed how he intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. Gowon revealed this at the maiden Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.
Speaking at the event in Jos, Plateau State, Gowon said he pleaded with Abacha after Obasanjo was sentenced to death in 1995 for allegedly plotting a coup against the military government.
Recounting the tense period, Gowon said he wrote a personal letter to General Abacha, urging him to spare Obasanjo’s life. “I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil,” Gowon said.
He went further to describe how he sent his wife to personally deliver the letter to Abacha in the middle of the night. “I sent my wife with the letter to Abacha in Abuja. I begged him that such a thing should not happen,” he explained.
Also Read
- Anxious Wait for Federal Government’s N10bn Support for Displaced Plateau Communities
- Troops Kill Bandits’ Leader and Four Others in Plateau, Bringing Relief to Villages
Obasanjo, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial, was sentenced to death. However, his sentence was later commuted, and he spent three years in prison before being released in 1998 following Abacha’s death.
Reflecting on the eventual outcome, Gowon expressed gratitude for the turn of events that led to Obasanjo’s release and subsequent rise to the presidency in 1999. “I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only did Obasanjo leave prison, but he also became our president in 1999,” Gowon said.
He attributed this outcome to divine intervention. “This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do. I’m happy that today, both myself and Obasanjo are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he added.
The Unity Christmas Carol provided an opportunity for Plateau State to reflect on its security challenges and promote peaceful coexistence. Gowon lauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for initiatives aimed at fostering peace in the state.
“The people of Plateau have faced numerous challenges, but events like this carol provide a platform to commune and strengthen unity,” Gowon said.
Governor Mutfwang echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of harmony and collaboration among the diverse communities in the state.
The event brought together prominent leaders, including Obasanjo, who was the Guest of Honour, and Gowon, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. Their shared presence symbolized unity and reconciliation, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Gowon’s revelation serves as a reminder of the turbulent political history of Nigeria and the enduring need for dialogue and compassion in leadership.