Ex-US president Jimmy Carter sought my freedom from Abacha’s detention – Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has hailed the late ex-U.S. President Jimmy Carter as a “humanist par excellence” and the only non-African leader who personally visited General Sani Abacha to plead for his release from prison.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a two-term civilian president from 1999 to 2007, recounted his experiences in a heartfelt tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”.

The tribute was read during a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Sunday.

Obasanjo revealed that his imprisonment by Abacha’s military regime in 1995 stemmed from his vocal opposition to the dictatorship’s excesses.

Reflecting on Carter’s pivotal role, he stated, “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.

“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 shared a personal connection with Carter, drawing parallels between their humble beginnings and the values instilled by their 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 grew up under a father and mother who were disciplinarians, who instilled in him discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, kindness, and humility. My parents inculcated similar attributes in me,” he continued.

The former president humorously noted one distinction.

“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 further solidified their bond, as they first met when Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military Head of State.

Carter’s Legacy in Africa, Turner Connection

Obasanjo praised Carter for championing African causes, particularly in Southern Africa, where he played a key role in dismantling apartheid and colonial rule.

He contrasted Carter’s commitment to the continent with the unsympathetic stance 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 stated.

He also recounted how media mogul Ted Turner enlisted Carter’s assistance in advocating for his release. Turner offered to support Obasanjo’s family anywhere in the world during his ordeal.

“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. 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.”

Life of Humility and Service

Reflecting on Carter’s life and leadership, Obasanjo commended his humility, selflessness, and dedication to humanity.

“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 added.

As he bid farewell to his friend, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for Carter’s life and the enduring legacy of his service to humanity.

“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 passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia.