Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that the late American President Jimmy Carter was the only non-African leader who personally visited General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former military dictator, solely to advocate for his release from prison.
Obasanjo shared this during a memorial service on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The service honored Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
The tribute, titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan,” highlighted Carter’s humanitarian spirit and his unwavering commitment to justice. Obasanjo recounted his imprisonment by the Abacha regime in 1995 over allegations of involvement in a failed military coup and Carter’s extraordinary efforts to secure his release.
Carter’s Intervention
Obasanjo recalled how Carter’s visit to Nigeria led to his transfer from prison to house arrest. He emphasized that Carter was the only foreign leader to travel to Nigeria specifically for this purpose.
“President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison,” Obasanjo stated.
“On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long.
“Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.”
Obasanjo expressed gratitude to all those who worked for his freedom, including General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who succeeded Abacha and facilitated his eventual release.
“Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death, though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going around Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release,” he added.
Unexpected Support
The former president also recounted a touching gesture from Ted Turner, founder of CNN, who offered to support him and his family following his release.
“I was surprised when Carter told me that Ted Turner had offered to take care of me and my family upon my release. I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted, who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” Obasanjo said.
Shared Values
Obasanjo reflected on the bond he shared with Carter, noting their similar backgrounds in the military and farming, which instilled a deep sense of discipline in both.
“He beat me, though, in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, and there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” Obasanjo remarked.
In an emotional conclusion, he said, “I will miss Carter, a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in paradise.”
Abacha-Era Reflection
During an interactive session with young African leaders at the OOPL over the weekend, Obasanjo explained that his vocal stance on national and international issues led to his imprisonment under the Abacha regime.
“My refusal to keep quiet on matters of national and international importance landed me in detention during Abacha’s tenure,” he said.
Obasanjo’s tribute underscores the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter as a global advocate for human rights and justice, as well as the profound impact of his intervention on Obasanjo’s life and Nigeria’s history.
