A revelation by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, discloses his plea to late Gen. Sani Abacha to spare former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution during the alleged coup plot in 1995.
This revelation was made at the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organized by the Plateau State Government.
Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 by Gen. Sani Abacha and convicted for his involvement in a planned coup against the government.
Despite professing his innocence, Obasanjo was sentenced to death and spent three years in prison before his release in 1998 following Abacha’s death in June of that year.
Gowon, as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, recounted his efforts to prevent the execution, expressing gratitude that a positive turn of events occurred thereafter.
He emphasized the role of prayer and sincerity in the transformation that led to Obasanjo’s release and subsequent presidency in 1999.
The event served as a platform for celebrating unity in Plateau, a region that has faced numerous security challenges, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang being lauded for fostering peaceful coexistence among the people.