Monday, January 13, 2025 - Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian President, has praised the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter as a "humanist par excellence" and the only non-African leader to personally visit General Sani Abacha to advocate 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.
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.”
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.
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