Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon's (Rtd.) admission that he (Gowon) intervened with the late General Sani Abacha to save Obasanjo's life during his detention. Obasanjo was among those jailed by Abacha's administration on charges of organising a coup to destabilise the government. Speaking at the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, over the weekend, Gowon revealed that he had written to Abacha pleading with him to show mercy on Obasanjo.
Gowon revealed that he delivered the letter to Abacha through his wife, underlining that his responsibility as a leader was to do good rather than damage. He expressed thankfulness that Obasanjo was not only liberated following Abacha's death in June 1998, but also served as Nigeria's president in 1999. The next day, at the same Christmas carol concert, Obasanjo praised Gowon's efforts, claiming he was unaware of the intervention until it was revealed.
"I'd want to acknowledge my employer, General Yakubu Gowon. He made a revelation yesterday, and I want to thank you specifically for it. When I was released from jail, I had the opportunity to thank people both within and outside the country who helped with my appeal and prayed for my freedom. "And I went across the world thanking people who had petitioned and prayed for my release from prison. But I had no idea you had written a personal letter for my release until you told me yesterday; I appreciate that," Obasanjo remarked.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang attended the ceremony, as did previous governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, among other dignitaries.