How Jimmy Carter Helped Save My Life – Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo paid tribute to his late friend, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, during a memorial service on Sunday. Obasanjo described Carter as a “man of peace” and a “titan” whose leadership had a profound impact worldwide.
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States and received the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his post-presidential work, passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia.
The memorial service, held at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, provided Obasanjo an opportunity to recount how Carter intervened personally to save his life. The former Nigerian leader shared how Carter worked tirelessly for his release from prison during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo recalled that Carter traveled to Nigeria specifically to ask Abacha to release him from detention. “President Carter was one of the few who risked their position to help secure my freedom,” Obasanjo said. “He was the only non-African leader I know of who visited Abacha solely for the purpose of pleading for my release. He succeeded in getting me moved to house arrest on my farm, but it was only temporary.”
He expressed his deep gratitude to Carter and all those who had worked towards his release from the oppressive conditions imposed by Abacha. Obasanjo noted that shortly after Abacha’s death, he was freed by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who helped facilitate his subsequent tours of Africa and beyond to thank those who advocated for his freedom.
Obasanjo also recalled Carter’s mention of Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, who played a crucial role in supporting his cause. “Carter told me that Ted Turner had come to him and asked him to secure my release, offering to support me and my family wherever we chose to live,” Obasanjo shared. “That gesture deeply moved me, and I was equally touched when I met Ted Turner and he expressed the same sentiment.”
In his tribute, Obasanjo reflected on the many similarities he shared with Carter, particularly their shared upbringing in farming families. “President Carter and I both grew up in rural settings where discipline, integrity, and hard work were core values instilled by our parents,” he explained. “While he had a road to his village, my own village had none, and we often had to walk or ride bicycles to get anywhere.”
Obasanjo also acknowledged their military backgrounds and their paths crossing during his time as Nigeria’s military Head of State. He remarked that Carter’s leadership was grounded in humility, and he emphasized how Carter led with integrity and by example, carrying his team along in pursuit of common goals. Obasanjo concluded, “Though I will miss President Carter dearly, I know we shall meet again in Paradise.”
Obasanjo’s reflections on Carter’s life and legacy highlight the deep bond they shared and the enduring impact of Carter’s efforts in both global peace and in saving the life of a dear friend.
