Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has become a hot topic on social media after a video of his release from prison in 1998 went viral. The clip, which shows a slim General Obasanjo walking out of prison, has sparked conversations, especially among younger generations, often referred to as “Gen-Z,” who are witnessing this historic moment for the first time.
Obasanjo was released on June 15, 1998, following the death of General Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998. He had been imprisoned in 1995 after being accused of plotting a coup against Abacha’s government. His release was facilitated by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who led Nigeria’s transitional government and played a key role in restoring democracy in 1999.
The former president spent three years, three weeks, and three days in prison. Upon his release, a Nigerian Air Force plane was sent to Yola to bring him home. In the video, a noticeably thin Obasanjo expressed his gratitude to journalists, saying:
“It’s nice to be back at home; everybody knows that. I’m grateful to them; they have always done me proud. This is not the first time; I hope this will not be the last time.”
After his release, Obasanjo went on to become Nigeria’s civilian president on May 29, 1999, following his victory in the presidential election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was re-elected in 2003 and served until May 29, 2007. Before his civilian presidency, Obasanjo had ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1976 to 1979, making him the first Nigerian to hold both military and civilian leadership roles.
In a lighter note, the 87-year-old former president recently trended again in September 2024 for showing off his energetic spirit by dancing with newlyweds, proving that age is just a number.
Netizens react;
@Adesina Adewale : Did they arrest him with agbada then or they take the agbada to meet him in prison.
@Fred Noah: Infact May abacha sleep well cos he knew that all these people are criminals who don’t mean well for the country. Abacha wanted to do like Jerry Rawlings but some foreign power went against it. And look at where we found ourselves now.
@Bigman Bigemma: At the end of your release from prison. You became a president of the country called Nigeria. You never learnt a lesson. On how to turned things around. To fix Nigeria for good. But rather you destroyed the country the more. Look at where we are today. All because of you people’s failure and selfish interests.
Abdulrazak Kabir Abacha: the discipline master..Rest in peace sir,Nigerians needs you at this material time.
@Ayodeji Oguntuase: No man truly know tomorrow, and for those who are using their position to suffer others that person may latter surpase you in your position and another good lession here for those who had falling it’s not your end even when men taught it’s over for you the Almighty God can lift you up again and we give glory to God for he is the only one who can determine our last fate not our enemy’s or our haters.
@Babatunde Aderemi : We thought Abacha is wicked but see urself who is really wicked.
