Former Nigeria head of state, Yakubu Gowon has revealed that his intervention resulted in former Nigeria military dictator, Sani Abacha not executing Olusegun Obasanjo in 1995.
Yakubu Gowon while speaking at first edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau state government, event which former president Olusegun Obasanjo was the guest of honour, revealed that Sani Abacha was determined to execute Olusegun Obasanjo over his alleged involvement in 1995 failed coup d’etat which attempted to overthrow Abacha’s government.
Despite Olusegun Obasanjo claiming innocent and not being involved in the said failed coup, he was convicted and sentenced to death in 1995.
However, Gowon reveals that in his letter to Sani Abacha over Olusegun Obasanjo death sentence, he pleaded with the military dictator not to carry out his intention against Obasanjo. According to Gowon, he reminded Abacha in his letter that God placed him in such a leadership position so that he will do good and not otherwise. Hence, Obasanjo was imprisoned for three years and was released in 1998 following Abacha’s widely celebrated death.
“I wrote a letter to Abacha, I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil”.