Obasanjo
Obasanjo to Gowon: I never knew you pleaded with Abacha not to kill me
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo said he was unaware that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life when the maximum ruler roped him into a phantom coup during his regime.
Obasanjo was replying to General Gowon’s revelation that he wrote a letter delivered by his wife to Abacha not to execute Obasanjo.
Gowon spoke yesterday at the first Plateau State Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA of the state.
According to him, so many things had happened afterwards, expressing joy that Obasanjo did 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.
Obasanjo, who spoke during the second day of the event, said he was never aware that Gowon took the step on his behalf, adding that after his release from prison, he travelled both within the country and overseas to thank those who pleaded and prayed for his freedom.
He said he knew many people made different efforts for his release and after that, he went round to thank them within and outside the country.
“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 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,” Obasanjo said.
The former president also thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his developmental efforts and peace initiative and urged him to continue to do more for the people of the state.
Obasanjo and former Head of State, the Late Murtala Mohammed, overthrew Yakubu Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975.
Aside from Gowon, Obasanjo, and Governor Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa State) were among dignitaries who attended the event which held from Friday to Sunday.