In a moving tribute to the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2023, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recalled the efforts Carter made to secure his release from prison during the rule of Nigeria’s former military dictator, General Sani Abacha. The emotional tribute was delivered during a memorial service held at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Nigeria, on Sunday.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned by Abacha on false charges of planning a coup, reflected on how world leaders, especially Carter, intervened in a bid to free him. “Despite their efforts, Abacha remained steadfast in his refusal to release me,” Obasanjo recalled. “Carter, however, was one of the few foreign leaders who continued to fight for my release, even visiting Abacha personally to advocate on my behalf.”
Carter, the longest-serving U.S. president in history, known for his unwavering humanitarian efforts both during and after his presidency, played a pivotal role in Obasanjo’s life. “He was a true friend, someone who stuck his neck out for my freedom,” Obasanjo stated, adding that Carter’s contributions to humanity, particularly in Africa, were unparalleled. “His commitment to helping others, especially Africa, was unprecedented. He was a lover of humanity, a man of God, and a great and true friend of mine.”
The former Nigerian president shared a personal connection with Carter, noting their shared humble beginnings in farming families. He likened their upbringing, where both men were raised by parents who instilled in them values of discipline, integrity, and compassion for the poor.
Obasanjo also spoke about the role Carter played in attempting to secure his release. After being sentenced to death on what were later proven to be fabricated charges, Obasanjo was initially imprisoned for life. Carter, among other world leaders, advocated for his release, and on a visit to Nigeria, was able to secure a brief period of house arrest for the Nigerian leader. However, this arrangement was short-lived, as Abacha refused to relent in his refusal to free Obasanjo.
In the days following Abacha’s death, Obasanjo was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Reflecting on Carter’s unwavering support, Obasanjo shared a touching memory of their final conversation. “President Carter told me, ‘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.’” Obasanjo admitted that these words moved him to tears, expressing deep gratitude for both Carter and Turner’s enduring kindness.
The memorial service, attended by various dignitaries, was marked by a sermon from Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, who highlighted Carter’s compassion and humility. Drawing from the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Rev. Akanji emphasized that Carter lived by the philosophy, “What is mine is yours if you need,” urging leaders worldwide to adopt similar compassion and generosity in their leadership.
Obasanjo concluded his tribute by reaffirming his everlasting gratitude to Carter and other world leaders who advocated for his freedom. “Though I will miss my great and true friend, I know we will meet again in Paradise,” he said, his words reflecting both sorrow and gratitude for a life touched by Carter’s profound generosity.
