How I saved Obasanjo from execution — Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed how he intervened to save former President Olusegun Obasanjo from being executed over allegations of a coup plot in 1995. Gowon recounted this at the inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, which also had Obasanjo as the Guest of Honour, Gowon revealed that he wrote a personal letter to the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, urging him to reconsider the death sentence handed to Obasanjo.

“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,” Gowon said.

Obasanjo, who had pleaded innocent to the coup charges, was arrested and sentenced to death by Abacha’s regime. However, following Gowon’s intervention and subsequent events, Obasanjo’s sentence was commuted to imprisonment. He spent three years in detention before his release in 1998, after Abacha’s death on June 8 of that year. Obasanjo later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.

Reflecting on the turn of events, Gowon said, “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 commended the Plateau State Government for organizing the carol, noting its significance in fostering peace and unity in the state.

He lauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, especially given the state’s history of security challenges.

“This carol provides a suitable avenue for the people of Plateau to commune and strengthen their bonds,” Gowon added.