Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, revealed that he personally urged the late Gen. Sani Abacha not to execute former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was accused of plotting a coup in 1995.
Gowon made this statement during the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau Government.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 by Gen. Sani Abacha and convicted for allegedly being involved in a coup attempt to overthrow Abacha’s regime.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Obasanjo was sentenced to death.
Obasanjo spent three years in prison before being released in 1998, following the death of Gen. Abacha on June 8 that year.
At the event, Gowon served as the Special Guest of Honour, while Obasanjo was the Guest of Honour.
Gowon shared, “I wrote a letter to Abacha, urging him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil.
“I had my wife deliver the letter to Abacha in Abuja in the middle of the night, asking him to prevent such a tragedy.
“I’m happy that shortly after, things changed, and not only did Obasanjo leave prison, but he also became our president in 1999.”
This is something that can only be achieved through prayers and sincerity; I’m glad that today, Obasanjo and I are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he said.
Gowon also expressed his gratitude to the state government for organizing the carol, noting that it would help strengthen the unity of the state’s citizens.
He acknowledged that the state had faced numerous security challenges, making the carol a perfect opportunity for the people to come together.
Gowon praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.
