Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he was unaware that ex-Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, had pleaded with the late Sani Abacha to spare his life while he was imprisoned.
Obasanjo expressed his gratitude to Gowon for intervening during his imprisonment over an alleged coup attempt.
During a program on Friday, Gowon recalled the details of the coup that led to Obasanjo’s imprisonment and disclosed that he had written to Abacha, asking him to spare Obasanjo’s life. Gowon made these claims at an interdenominational Christmas Carol organized by the Plateau State government.
In response to these revelations, Obasanjo expressed his appreciation for Gowon’s efforts, emphasizing that he was previously unaware of Gowon’s personal intervention. In a statement, Obasanjo 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.”
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