Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed that he personally intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was accused of plotting a coup against the late General Sani Abacha in 1995.
Gowon shared this during the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.
Obasanjo, who was arrested by the Abacha regime in 1995, was convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the government. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was sentenced to death.
However, he spent three years in detention before his release in 1998, following Abacha’s death on June 8 that year.
Speaking as the event’s Special Guest of Honour, Gowon recounted his efforts to save Obasanjo, who served as the Guest of Honour at the festival.
“I wrote a letter to General Abacha, urging him to remember that leadership is ordained by God for doing good, not harm,” Gowon said. “I sent my wife with the letter to Abuja in the middle of the night, pleading with him not to proceed with such an irreversible action.”
Gowon expressed relief that Obasanjo’s life was spared, and he went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999. “This is a testament to the power of prayer and sincerity. Today, I am grateful that Obasanjo and I can stand together to celebrate the unity of Plateau State,” he added.
The former Head of State noted that Plateau has faced significant security challenges, making the carol a meaningful platform for fostering togetherness among its people.
