Jimmy Carter visited Abacha to plead for my release — Obasanjo.
Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian president, has paid respect to the late American President Jimmy Carter, recalling how the former US leader visited Nigeria to advocate for his release during the regime of military junta leader Sani Abacha.
On Sunday, Obasanjo spoke at a memorial service for Carter, who died at the age of 100.
“President Carter was one of my international friends who went to great lengths to preserve my life and get me out of prison. During President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he persuaded Abacha to release me from detention and place me under house arrest on my farm,” Obasanjo recalled during an event hosted at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“But that did not endure very long. Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my knowledge, who paid Abacha a visit exclusively to urge for my release.”
In 1995, the Abacha regime arrested Obasanjo in connection with an alleged coup plot. However, the former president was liberated following Abacha’s death in 1998.
Obasanjo was elected president of Nigeria the following year, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“In the United States, I called President Carter, who told me of his efforts with other leaders and Abacha’s refusal to release me. But the most startling thing Carter told me was, “Please see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity.” He approached me and urged me to get his friend, Obasanjo, freed from prison. I will care for him and his family here or wherever he decides to live. “I was moved to tears,” the former president told the audience, describing the late Carter as a friend whom he will miss.
“For me, I’d miss a fantastic and real buddy, but I believe we’ll meet again in paradise. “May his soul rest in peace,” the 87-year-old added.
Obasanjo praised Carter’s characteristics and stated that the former US president had an exemplary life of devotion to humanity.