Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has reportedly told Punch Newspaper that he begged the late Gen. Sani Abacha to spare former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution over a purported 1995 coup plot. Gowon made this revelation during the Plateau State Government’s inaugural Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>><
Gowon recounted how Obasanjo, accused of plotting to overthrow Abacha’s regime, was convicted and sentenced to death despite maintaining his innocence. “I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil,” Gowon said. The former Head of State took extraordinary steps, sending his wife to deliver the letter to Abacha in Abuja under the cover of night, appealing for clemency.Obasanjo, who was ultimately spared execution, spent three years in prison before his release in 1998 following Abacha’s death. Gowon reflected on the ordeal, emphasizing the importance of using leadership positions to promote justice and humanity rather than vengeance. He described his intervention as a moral obligation to prevent an unjust act.
The event, attended by various dignitaries, highlighted the theme of unity and peace, with Gowon’s account serving as a reminder of the role leaders play in fostering reconciliation and upholding human dignity. His testimony underscored the enduring lessons of forgiveness and compassion in leadership, particularly in moments of political tension.
He said: “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.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>><
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