Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he never knew that ex-Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon begged late Sani Abacha not to kill him in prison.
Obasanjo appreciated Gowon for intervening when Abacha imprisoned him over an attempted coup.
During a programme on Friday, while recalling details of the coup that led to Obasanjo’s imprisonment, Gowon revealed he wrote to Abacha, asking him to spare the former president’s life.
Gowon made the claims at an interdenominational Christmas Carol organised by the Plateau State government.
In reaction to the revelations, Obasanjo appreciated Gowon, stressing that he was unaware of Gowon’s personal efforts.
In a statement, Obasanjo said, “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he gave us here a revelation, and I have to thank you especially for that.
“Because when I came out of prison, I had the opportunity, both while I was in prison and after my release, of hearing about friends inside and outside who contributed to appeals and prayed for my release.
“And I went around the world, thanking those who had been pointed out to me as having appealed and prayed for my release from prison. I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday. I thank you for that.”
Coup: I’m unaware you begged Abacha to spare my life – Obasanjo thanks Gowon