I never knew Gowon saved me from Abacha, Obasanjo says

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for love as a unifying force because where there is love, there will be peace and no conflict.

Stating this during the ongoing three-day Plateau State Christmas Card Festival at Doi community of Jos South Local Council, Obasanjo said he was unaware that former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd) saved him from the late Gen Sani Abacha.

He was responding to a revelation that Gowon pleaded with Abacha to spare his (Obasanjo) life when he was imprisoned over alleged coup plot.

Commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau for fostering peaceful co-existence despite security challenges, Obasanjo called on the people of the state to embrace unity and love as key elements for managing diversity and achieving the benefits of togetherness.

The former President emphasised that peace became a scarce commodity due to the absence of love, adding that “where love is lacking, conflict and dispute arise.”

He urged the citizens to strive for harmony in their relationship.

had disclosed how he intervened in the alleged coup plot of 1995 where Obasanjo was culpable, saying he pleaded with Abacha not to execute Obasanjo though he was arrested and convicted of a coup.

Despite Obasanjo’s plea of innocence in the coup, according to Gowon, he was condemned and he spent three years in prison before his release in 1998 after Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998.

Gowon said, “I wrote a Letter to Abacha, pleading 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. I am glad that soon after that, things changed and Obasanjo left the prison and became President in 1999.”

According to him, what happened at the moment was what only prayers and sincerity could do, adding: “I am happy that today, Obasanjo and I are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau.”

Thanking the state government for organising the carol, Gowon believed that it would further unite the citizens of the state.

crises the country is facing today, Gowon noted, are not exciting at all, adding that after the civil war, he prayed that Nigerians would never again experience the kind of suffering they endured during the period.

“I urge young people, particularly those who may have contributed to the challenges, to turn their hearts to God. May He reform them and make them contributors to peace and unity in Nigeria,” he said, regretting that the unity he fought during the civil war was gradually eluding the country.

But he was optimistic that with continued prayers by men of goodwill, things would turn around for good.

Mutfwang admonished Plateau people to embrace peace, adding that lack of unity among them opened the floodgate of attacks from many adversaries. He said it was Plateau people had closed ranks and work as a united entity.

Obasanjo was among those detained by Abacha’s regime over allegations of coup plot.

Speaking during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Council, over the weekend, Gowon disclosed that he had written to Abacha, urging him to show clemency to Obasanjo.

The following day, at the same Christmas carol event, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon’s efforts, stating that he was unaware of the intervention until it was disclosed.

“I want to acknowledge my boss, Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation, and I have to thank him specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, in and outside the country, who contributed to appeal and pray for my release from prison.

“I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo and the late Murtala Mohammed overthrew Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975.