Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday, December 1, thanked a ex-head of state, Yakubu Gowon for saving his life in the past.
Obasanjo said he never knew that Gowon intervened when the late General Sani Abacha wanted to execute him.
Recall that Obasanjo was one of those incarcerated by the Abacha regime for allegedly plotting a coup to overthrow the government.
Gowon had said at the weekend that he pleaded with Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life.
But reacting to Gowon’s disclosure, Obasanjo said he was never aware of the former head of state’s input to save his life by seeking clemency for him.
He said, “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 my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.