Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), revealed that he intervened with late Gen. Sani Abacha in an effort to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who faced allegations of plotting a coup in 1995.
This statement came during the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau Government, where Gowon was the Special Guest of Honour and Obasanjo served as the Guest of Honour.At that time, Obasanjo had been apprehended by Abacha, who convicted him of involvement in a coup to overthrow his regime. Despite Obasanjo’s claims of innocence, he received a death sentence and spent three years in prison before being released in 1998, following Abacha’s death on June 8 of that year.While addressing attendees, Gowon shared, “I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him that God had made him a leader to do good, not evil. In the middle of the night, I sent my wife with that letter to Abacha in Abuja, urging him to reconsider such a dire outcome.”He expressed his relief at the subsequent changes, stating, “I’m glad that shortly after that, circumstances shifted. Not only did Obasanjo leave prison, but he also went on to become our president in 1999.
This transformation is a testament to the power of prayer and sincerity. I am pleased that today, Obasanjo and I are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau.”Gowon also emphasized the state’s struggle with numerous security challenges, noting that the carol event served as an important opportunity for community connection. He praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his ongoing efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among the people.