True to type, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to General Yakubu Gowon’s recent disclosure of his plea with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life after a phantom coup in 1995.
Obasanjo was imprisoned by the Abacha government on charges of plotting a coup to overthrow the regime.
At an Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos over the weekend, Gowon shared his efforts to save the former president.
He expressed his happiness that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal after three years in prison but also went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999, following Abacha’s death in 1998.
READ ALSO: ‘How God used me to save Obasanjo’, Gowon
In response, Obasanjo acknowledged the numerous people who intervened to secure his release at the time.
He said that after his release, he made sure to thank everyone who had helped him, though he was unaware of Gowon’s involvement.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I have to thank you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, inside and outside the country, who contributed to appealing and praying for my release.
“And I went around the world thanking those who had been involved in my release. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that”, said Obasanjo.
The carol was attended by several prominent figures, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye and Boni Haruna.
Credible News.ngÂ
