How Jimmy Carter Saved Obasanjo from Abacha's Gulag | READ DETAILS

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter played a pivotal role in saving his life during his detention under the brutal regime of General Sani Abacha. Speaking at a memorial service held in honor of Carter at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo described Carter as a titan, a man of peace, and a true friend.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Obasanjo took the opportunity to recount the extraordinary lengths Carter went to secure his release from Abacha's notorious detention.

"President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life. On his visit to Nigeria, he convinced Abacha to move me from detention to house arrest on my farm. While the arrangement didn't last long, it was a glimmer of hope during a dark period," Obasanjo recalled.

The former Nigerian leader emphasized Carter's unique role as the only non-African leader to personally visit Abacha and advocate for his release. Obasanjo also shared how media mogul Ted Turner, inspired by Carter's advocacy, offered to support him and his family if he relocated abroad.

"Ted Turner told Jimmy Carter, 'I'll take care of Obasanjo and his family wherever they choose to live.' Such generosity moved me to tears. Carter's influence and compassion were immeasurable," Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo credited Carter's persistent efforts, alongside interventions from other world leaders, as instrumental in his eventual release. Following Abacha's sudden death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who succeeded him, facilitated Obasanjo's release and enabled him to travel globally to express gratitude to those who had supported him.

Reflecting on Carter's character, Obasanjo described him as a humble, honest, and God-fearing man whose leadership was marked by discipline, morality, and compassion. He drew parallels between his own upbringing in rural Nigeria and Carter's childhood in Plains, Georgia, noting their shared values of hard work, integrity, and faith.

"Why hold a service for an American president who lived 5,000 miles away? Because he was a great world leader, a righteous man whose compassion knew no bounds, and a true friend," Obasanjo concluded.

The service in Abeokuta was a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter's legacy, underscoring the profound impact of his humanitarianism and global leadership.