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The former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has said he does not hold grudges against anyone over past actions taken against him, stating that is is good and important to forgive and let go, especially in Politics, to foster national cohesion and development.
On Wednesday evening, Jonathan Made this remark during a requiem mass in Abuja for the late Chief Audu Ogbeh.
He joined family, friends, and associates to pay his last respects to the elder statesman, renowned politician, and farmer.
Jonathan’s message was contained in a statement issued by his special adviser, Ikechukwu Eze.
In his tribute, the former president described Ogbeh as a humble and forgiving leader who never held on to resentment, reflecting his philosophy of life.
“Chief Ogbeh was a man who did not seek revenge.
He believed the past should be left behind and that we must keep moving forward,” Dr. Jonathan said.
“In that sense, he was just like me. If you hurt me today, I will forgive you. I don’t carry grudges against people.
I believe the past is past—and I move on.”
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late Chief Ogbeh, Dr. Jonathan recalled their close friendship dating back to his time as Deputy Governor.
I didn’t know Chief Ogbeh until I became a deputy governor when he was serving as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At that time, deputy governors were often seen as spare tyres, but he treated me as a close friend.
Whenever I visited Abuja, I would go to see him, and we always had good conversations.
He was such a kind and generous person, he said
Dr. Jonathan added that their relationship remained cordial even after he became president.
Whenever he wanted to see me, he would come, and sometimes we would spend up to an hour discussing national issues, he noted.
The former President urged Nigerian politicians to emulate the values Chief Ogbeh stood for, especially his humility, spirit of forgiveness, and ability to unify people across different segments of society.
