2nd December, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday said he never knew that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired) was one of those who wrote a letter to late military dictator, General Sani Abacha when he was detained over an alleged involvement in a coup plot.
Abacha had detained Obasanjo and others over their alleged involvement in a coup plot to overthrow him.
A military tribunal set up by Abacha later find Obasanjo guilty of involvement in the coup plot and recommended his execution.
However, leaders around the world appealed to the late Nigerian dictator not to carry out the execution.
Sspeaking on Saturday at an event in Jos, Plateau State, Gowon revealed that he was one of those who pleaded with Abacha not to carry out the death sentence on Obasanjo.
The former military Head of State said he wrote a letter to Abacha, telling him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil, and therefore sought clemency for Obasanjo.
Gowon claimed he sent the letter to Abacha through his wife who delivered it to to Abacha in Abuja in the night.
He added that things took a different turn after that letter.
Goweon also expressed his happiness that Obasanjo not only leave prison after spending three years in prison before his release following the death of Abacha in June 1998, but went on to become the nation’s president in 1999.
In reaction on Sunday, Obasanjo said he never knew that Gowon was one of those who pleaded with the late dictator not to execute him.
The former President said that was why Gowon was not one of those he expressed his appreciation to after he was released from prison.
He, however, expressed his appreciation to Gowon for the gesture.
“He made a revelation and I have to thank you specifically for that. 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.”
