Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly thanked General Yakubu Gowon for his intervention during Obasanjo’s imprisonment under General Sani Abacha’s administration.
SaharaReporters reported on Friday that Gowon disclosed how he wrote to Abacha, pleading for Obasanjo’s life to be spared, a fact that Obasanjo was unaware of until Gowon revealed it at an interdenominational Christmas Carol organised by the Plateau State government.
Gowon had revealed that he wrote a letter to Abacha and sent it through his wife, Victoria, pleading for Obasanjo’s life to be spared.
However, on Saturday, Obasanjo expressed his gratitude to Gowon, acknowledging that he had been thanking those who had appealed for his release, but he was not aware of Gowon’s personal efforts.
While also commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for organising the event, which brought people together in joyful worship, the former President emphasised the importance of faith and community in overcoming challenges.
He said, “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he gave us here a revelation, and I have to thank you especially for that. Because when I came out of prison, I had the opportunity, both while I was in prison and after my release, of hearing about friends inside and outside who contributed to appeals and prayed for my release.
“And I went around the world, thanking those who had been pointed out to me as having appealed and prayed for my release from prison. I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday. I thank you for that.”