Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has opened up about how he personally intervened to prevent the execution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Gowon recounted the events of 1995 when Obasanjo was arrested and sentenced to death on charges of plotting a coup.
He described the emotional turmoil he felt and how he could not stand to see the former military leader face such a fate.
“I was deeply saddened. It shouldn’t have happened. Such a thing must never happen,” Gowon said, recalling the critical moment.
He revealed that he took the unprecedented step of writing a letter to Abacha, asking for clemency for Obasanjo.
In a dramatic turn of events, Gowon sent his wife to deliver the letter to Abacha in the middle of the night, urging him not to carry out the execution.
“I had to send my wife to Abuja to deliver the letter. I pleaded with Abacha that this should not happen,” Gowon shared.
Thankfully, shortly after the letter was delivered, Obasanjo’s fate took a dramatic turn. Not only was he released from prison, but he later became Nigeria’s President.
Gowon expressed his gratitude for God’s intervention, crediting divine grace and sincere prayers for Obasanjo’s eventual release and their reunion at the event.
“It’s a miracle that only God could have orchestrated through prayers. Today, we are here together, celebrating Jesus and giving thanks for what He has done,” Gowon concluded.