By Emmanuel Kwada
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, for pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the military regime’s crackdown on alleged coup plotters.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned under Abacha’s rule, revealed his appreciation while reacting to Gowon’s statement made at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
God made you a leader to do good, not evil
Gowon had recounted his intervention, explaining that he wrote a personal letter to Abacha urging clemency for Obasanjo. Gowon stated that he told Abacha, “God made you a leader to do good, not evil”.
I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday
Obasanjo admitted he was unaware of Gowon’s specific intervention until it was disclosed at the festival. He thanked Gowon for his efforts, saying, “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”.
