Gowon: How I begged Abacha not to eliminate Obasanjo
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed how he intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was sentenced to death by the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995 over an alleged coup plot.
Gowon shared this during the maiden Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, organised by the Plateau State Government.
Obasanjo, accused of conspiring to overthrow Abacha’s government, was arrested and convicted despite maintaining his innocence. He was sentenced to death but served three years in prison before being released in 1998, following Abacha’s death.
Recalling the incident, Gowon said, “I wrote a letter to Abacha, I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil.
“I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja; I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen.
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“I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only that Obasanjo left prison, he became our president in 1999.
“This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do. I’m happy that today myself and Obasanjo are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau.”
Gowon also praised the Plateau State Government for hosting the event, noting that it provided an avenue for fostering unity among the people, especially in a state that has endured various security challenges.
He lauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and commended the initiatives aimed at bringing citizens together.
