Why I Landed in Jail During Military Regime – Obasanjo Reveals

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his outspoken nature on National and international matters led to his imprisonment under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha in 1995.

During a recent interactive session with young leaders from across Africa at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, he reflected on how his commitment to speaking out against injustices ultimately resulted in significant personal sacrifice.

Obasanjo shared that his decision to pursue the presidency in 1999 was motivated by a desire to prevent Nigeria from disintegration.

After retiring from military service at the age of 42, he initially turned to agriculture, but the pressing need for leadership in a turbulent political climate prompted him to re-enter the political arena. He described his time in prison as a profound challenge, stemming from his refusal to remain silent on critical issues affecting the nation.

In his remarks, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of positive leadership among the youth, urging them to embrace their roles as future leaders of Africa. His comments came during an event hosted by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, which included ten winners of the prestigious Future Africa Leaders Awards.

He commended the foundation's efforts and expressed gratitude to its founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for continuing to inspire young leaders since 2013.

Addressing questions about African debt, Obasanjo criticized what he termed reckless borrowing by some nations, attributing parts of this debt to corruption.

He cited an example involving a state in Nigeria where funds were allocated for a carpet industry that was never developed, yet the loan was fully repaid.