Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Pays Tribute to Jimmy Carter
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently held a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to honor his dear friend, the late President Jimmy Carter of the United States. In a heartfelt eulogy, Obasanjo described Carter as a “titan and man of peace” who played a crucial role in saving his life during a dark time.
Jimmy Carter’s Heroic Act
During the service, Obasanjo recounted the remarkable story of how Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, courageously intervened to secure his release from prison under the oppressive regime of General Sanni Abacha. Carter personally visited Abacha to plead for Obasanjo’s freedom, ultimately leading to his transfer from detention to house arrest on his farm.
Obasanjo expressed his deep gratitude to Carter and the numerous friends and leaders who worked tirelessly to secure his release. Despite Abacha’s efforts to keep him imprisoned, Obasanjo was eventually freed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar after Abacha’s death. Carter later informed Obasanjo of the efforts made by Ted Turner and others to secure his release, demonstrating a remarkable display of generosity and compassion.
A Shared Connection and Fond Memories
Obasanjo highlighted the striking similarities between his own upbringing and Carter’s early life in Plains, Georgia, both born into farming families with strong values of discipline, hard work, integrity, and compassion. He humorously noted that Carter had the advantage of having a road to his settlement, unlike his own rural village that lacked basic amenities like electricity and paved roads.
Reflecting on their shared military backgrounds and paths in politics, Obasanjo praised Carter’s leadership style, emphasizing his humility, compassion, and ability to inspire a dedicated team of co-workers. He expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of a dear friend but found solace in the belief that they would meet again in paradise.
In conclusion, Obasanjo shared a valuable lesson learned from Carter’s leadership, highlighting the importance of leading by example, humility, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues to achieve success. The touching tribute painted a vivid picture of the enduring friendship and profound impact Jimmy Carter had on Obasanjo’s life, leaving a legacy of compassion, integrity, and peace that will be cherished forever.
