Former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, said he pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare former President Olusegun Obasanjo from execution for his role in the 1995 coup attempt.
Gowon said this at the inaugural edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organised by the Plateau government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Obasanjo was arrested by the general in 1995. Sani Abacha was convicted of participating in a coup plot to overthrow the government.
Obasanjo was sentenced to death despite protesting his innocence in the coup.
He spent three years in prison and was released following the death of General Abacha on June 8, 1998.
Gowon was the guest of honor at the event, but so was Obasanjo. “I wrote a letter to Abacha, pleading that God had made him a leader to do good and not evil.
“I sent my wife a letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja, pleading with him that this should not have happened.
“The situation changed soon after and I am happy that not only was Obasanjo able to leave prison, but he was able to become president in 1999.
“This is what prayer and sincerity can only do. I am happy that Obasanjo and I are here today to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he said.
Gowon also thanked the state government for organizing the carol, adding that this would further unite the people of the state.
The head of state noted that the carol is an appropriate way for people to communicate with each other as the state is experiencing countless security challenges. He commended Governor Caleb Mutofun for various efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among the residents.