In response to a statement made by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), former President Olusegun Obasanjo said that Gowon begged the late military Head of State General Sani Abacha not to execute Obasanjo.
Gowon said he begged Abacha to spare Obasanjo's life during the first Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA of the state, over the weekend.
Gowon clarified that he addressed a letter to Abacha informing him that he should spare Obasanjo since God created him as a leader to do good, not evil.
He claims that he transmitted the letter to Abacha in Abuja during the night via his (Gowon's) wife, and that after receiving it, the situation changed.
He continued by expressing his happiness that Obasanjo had not only been released from jail after serving three years there after Abacha's death in June 1998, but had also been elected president of the country in 1999.
Attending the same Christmas carol where Gowon spoke the next day, Obasanjo responded by saying he had not realized Gowon had gone to such lengths until he had brought it up at the carol the day before.
He acknowledged that numerous people worked to secure his release, and he then thanked everyone both domestically and abroad.
“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 appeal and pray for my release from prison.
“And 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.