Olusegun Obasanjo: Resurrection

Abstract

On Monday, June 8, 1998, the fifty-four year-old Abacha, according to the government’s explanation, unexpectedly died of a heart attack in his sleep. Rumors circulated that disgruntled army officers had poisoned him, and one version had it that the deed was carried out by prostitutes especially recruited for the task, quickly flown in and out by plotting fellow officers. Administration sources later confirmed that “a crony had supplied the dictator with Viagra and three Indian prostitutes.” If it was a coup, it was a coup from God, said Obasanjo.¹ The military, observing the chain of command, immediately named General Adulsalami Aubakar, the chief of the defense staff, as new head of state.