Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that he personally intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was convicted of plotting a coup in 1995 by then military ruler, Sani Abacha.
Gowon made this disclosure during the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.
In 1995, Obasanjo was arrested by Abacha and sentenced to death for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government. Despite maintaining his innocence, Obasanjo was condemned to die. However, after spending three years in prison, he was released in 1998 following Abacha’s sudden death on June 8.
At the festival, Gowon, who was the Special Guest of Honour, shared the story of his intervention. Obasanjo was the event’s Guest of Honour.
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“I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil,” Gowon recounted. “I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja, urging him to reconsider the decision.”
Gowon expressed his relief that, soon after his plea, things changed, and not only was Obasanjo released from prison, but he also went on to become the President of Nigeria in 1999.
“This is something that only prayers and sincerity can accomplish,” he added. “I am glad that today, both Obasanjo and I are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau.”
The former Head of State also thanked the Plateau State Government for organizing the carol, emphasizing that it would help foster unity among the state’s citizens, especially after the numerous security challenges it has faced.
He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his initiatives to promote peace and peaceful coexistence within the state.
