Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), for pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during his imprisonment over an alleged coup plot.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Gowon revealed while speaking at the first Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, that he had written a letter to Abacha urging him not to execute Obasanjo.
He explained that he sent the letter through his wife in the middle of the night, appealing to Abacha to lead with good and not evil.
READ ALSO: How I begged Abacha To Spare Obasanjo’s Life- Gowon
Gowon shared his joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal but later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.
Reacting the following day at the same event, Obasanjo said he was unaware of Gowon’s intervention until the revelation at the carol.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that”.
“When I came out of prison, I thanked friends within and outside the country who prayed and appealed for my release. But I didn’t know you wrote a personal letter until you mentioned it yesterday,” Obasanjo said.
READ ALSO: Nigerians Living Fake Life Before Fuel Subsidy Removal –Tinubu
Obasanjo, who spent three years in prison before being released in 1998 following Abacha’s death, noted that he had personally reached out to those who supported his release but was unaware of Gowon’s direct plea.
The exchange highlighted a moment of gratitude and reflection, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of unity and goodwill in overcoming national challenges.