Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to a revelation by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), that he (Gowon) intervened with the late Gen. Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life during his imprisonment.

Obasanjo was among those detained by Abacha’s regime over allegations of plotting a coup to overthrow the government.

Speaking during the inaugural Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, over the weekend, Gowon disclosed that he had written to Abacha, urging him to show clemency to Obasanjo.

Gowon revealed that he delivered the letter through his wife, emphasising to Abacha that his role as a leader was to do good, not harm.

He expressed his gratitude that Obasanjo was not only released after Abacha’s death in June 1998 but also went on to serve as Nigeria’s president in 1999.

The following day, at the same Christmas carol event, Obasanjo acknowledged Gowon’s efforts, stating that he was unaware of the intervention until it was disclosed.

“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.

The event was attended by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alongside former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Boni Haruna, among other dignitaries.

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Pensioners in Imo state have applauded the governor, Senator, Hope Uzodimma for ending their two decades of suffering through the payment of gratuities to them.

They noted that since the commencement of the current democratic dispensation in 1999,no administration in the state had deemed it fit to pay them their gratuities until Uzodimma remembered them.

Chairman of the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade J B Ugochukwu told newsmen in Owerri that this unprecedented gesture by the governor will ever remain evergreen in the memories of the senior citizens.

He disclosed that what has made the payment of gratuities remarkable is the fact that Uzodimma had earlier cleared their pension arrears while the monthly pensions are now regular.

” We can’t thank our God sent governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, enough. Although not everyone has been paid, the majority have received theirs and are full of gratitude to him, “he declared.

Corroborating the chairman’s assertion, a pensioner, Mrs Mary Nkemjika, said she could not believe it when she was paid her gratuities after 15 years of waiting.

According to her, ” I retired in 2009. Since then, no government has paid me one kobo in the name of gratuities. Even the monthly pension was coming irregularly. Please help me thank His Excellency for this miracle. ”

In his own testimonial, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro from Arondizuogu disclosed that he was speechless when his gratuities came.

” I never thought I would be alive to receive my gratuities. It’s only God that could have used the governor to accomplish this feat. I give Him all the glory, “he submitted.

Similarly, Mr Joe Nwadike from Aboh Mbaise acknowledged the payment of his gratuities after a 17-year wait and prayed for a long life for the governor.

He said since the coming of Uzodimma, he had been receiving his pensions regularly, describing the payment of gratuities as an icing in the cake.

” I have personally written to the Commissioner for Information to extend my gratitude
to the governor and thank him personally for me. I am still waiting for his reply because what has happened has never happened since 1999, “he said

Ekwutosblog has gathered that prominent political activist and convener of the Concerned Nigerians civil society movement, Deji Adeyanju, has announced a special initiative to mark his 45th birthday. The legal practitioner and activist will award the sum of ₦1,000,000 each to three lawyers from the March 2024 Call to Bar set who have actively championed human rights through pro bono cases.

The initiative aims to encourage young legal professionals to engage in human rights advocacy and promote justice for underserved communities. Announcing the program, Adeyanju expressed his commitment to fostering a new generation of lawyers dedicated to defending human rights.

“This award is not just a celebration of my birthday but also a recognition of the critical role young lawyers play in shaping a more just and equitable society,” Adeyanju stated.

To be eligible, applicants must provide verifiable details of pro bono human rights cases they have personally handled. Submissions should be sent to info@dejiadeyanjuandpartners.com no later than Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Adeyanju emphasized that the awards are intended to inspire young lawyers to continue advocating for justice, regardless of financial constraints. The recipients will be celebrated for their dedication and efforts in advancing human rights law in Nigeria.