Obasanjo Responds to Gowon: ‘I Never Knew You Urged Abacha Not to Kill Me’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has acknowledged General Yakubu Gowon’s (rtd.) efforts to plead with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during his imprisonment.

Gowon made the disclosure during the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Jos South Local Government Area. Gowon revealed that he had written a letter to Abacha, urging him to act as a leader chosen by God to do good rather than evil, and requested clemency for Obasanjo. He stated that he sent the letter through his wife, who delivered it to Abacha in Abuja under the cover of night.

Gowon expressed gratitude that Obasanjo not only survived but went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999, after being released from prison following Abacha’s death in June 1998.

In his reaction, Obasanjo, speaking at the same event the following day, said he had been unaware of Gowon’s intervention until it was mentioned. He noted that after his release, he made efforts to thank everyone who had supported his freedom both within and outside Nigeria but had not known of Gowon’s specific role until now.

“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 went around thanking friends who appealed and prayed for my release. But I did not know you wrote a personal letter until you mentioned it yesterday. I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo also commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his developmental efforts and peace initiatives, urging him to continue working for the benefit of the state.

It is noteworthy that Obasanjo and the late General Murtala Mohammed had previously overthrown Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975.