Obasanjo Details Jimmy Carter’s Role In Securing His Release From Abacha’s Prison

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Describing Carter as a “man of peace and a true titan,” Obasanjo celebrated the life of the 39th U.S. President, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. Carter, renowned for his humanitarian efforts and recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, left an enduring legacy in global peacebuilding.

Obasanjo reflected on Carter’s unwavering commitment to justice and his personal intervention during a dark period in Nigerian history. “President Carter was a true friend, a man of conscience, and a tireless advocate for peace and human rights,” Obasanjo said.

He recounted Carter’s pivotal role in securing his release from prison during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, under whose orders Obasanjo was detained on allegations of plotting a coup.

“President Carter was one of the few foreign friends who risked their reputation to advocate for my freedom,” Obasanjo shared. “On his visit to Nigeria, Carter convinced Abacha to move me from detention to house arrest on my farm, though it was short-lived. According to my information, Carter was the only non-African leader who personally visited Abacha solely to plead for my release.”

Obasanjo expressed gratitude to all who worked toward his freedom, adding, “Abacha was determined that I would never be released. But within a week of his death, his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, facilitated my release and supported my efforts to thank those who fought for my freedom.”

He further revealed how Carter informed him of Ted Turner’s efforts to secure his release. “Carter told me, ‘Please thank Ted Turner for his generosity. He came to me and said, “Get my friend Obasanjo out of prison. I will take care of him and his family, wherever he chooses to live.’”

Obasanjo concluded by emphasizing Carter’s exceptional character, stating that the world had lost not just a leader but a remarkable human being committed to the betterment of all.