News
Jimmy Carter was only non-African leader who sought my release from Abacha’s detention – Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter as a “humanist par excellence” and recounted how Carter personally intervened with General Sani Abacha to secure his release from detention during Nigeria’s military regime.
In a tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, Obasanjo shared his reflections during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo recalled that his imprisonment by the Abacha regime in 1995 was a direct consequence of his outspoken criticism of the dictatorship’s abuses. He praised Carter’s bold and compassionate intervention, noting that no other non-African leader had taken such a step.
“President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm,” Obasanjo said.
He added, “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.”
Read also: Taraba taskforce intercepts trailer concealing iron monoxide in illegal shipment
Obasanjo reflected on the similarities between his life and Carter’s, noting their shared rural roots and the values instilled by their disciplinarian parents.
“He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, and I was born into a farming family in the rural village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Ogun State,” he remarked. “He grew up under a father and mother who instilled discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, kindness, and humility. My parents inculcated similar attributes in me.”
In a lighthearted moment, Obasanjo added, “He beat me though in one respect—there was a road to his settlement. There was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, were carried on bicycles.”
Their shared military backgrounds and mutual respect further deepened their bond, with the two first meeting during Obasanjo’s tenure as Nigeria’s military Head of State.
Obasanjo praised Carter’s commitment to African causes, particularly his role in the fight against apartheid and colonialism in Southern Africa. He contrasted Carter’s dedication to Africa with the indifference of his predecessor, President Gerald Ford.
“President Carter’s visit to Nigeria in March 1978 marked the first state visit by a sitting American President, underscoring his dedication to African progress,” Obasanjo noted.
Obasanjo also shared how media mogul Ted Turner worked alongside Carter to advocate for his freedom, even offering to provide for Obasanjo’s family anywhere in the world during his incarceration.
“In the U.S., I called on President Carter, who told me all the efforts he made with other leaders and Abacha remaining unyielding for my release,” he said. “But the most surprising thing Carter said to me was, ‘Please see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity. He came to me and asked me to get his friend, Obasanjo, released from prison. I will take care of him and his family here or wherever he chooses to live.’ I was touched and moved to tears.”
Obasanjo concluded his tribute by celebrating Carter’s leadership style, which emphasized humility, selflessness, and collaboration.
“One great lesson I learned from President Carter was that in his leadership, he carried along an army of co-workers that shared the ideals and the burden of the work with him. He led by example and in humility, and that made success attend his way,” he said.
As he bid farewell to his friend, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for Carter’s life and service. “For me, I would miss a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in Paradise. May his soul rest in peace.”
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.