By Muhammad Mamman
Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan has said he bears no grudges against anyone over past actions, stressing that forgiveness and reconciliation are vital for political stability, national unity and development.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday evening at a requiem mass in honour of the late Chief Audu Ogbeh, Jonathan described the former politician as a man of humility and forgiveness whose values mirrored his own.
“Chief Ogbeh was a man who did not seek revenge. He believed the past should be left behind. In that sense, he was just like me. If you hurt me today, I will forgive you. I don’t carry grudges against anybody. I believe the past is past, and I move on,” Jonathan said.
The former President recalled meeting Ogbeh during his time as deputy governor when Ogbeh served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite the low regard often given to deputy governors, he said Ogbeh treated him with respect and friendship.
Jonathan noted that their cordial relationship continued even after he became President, often engaging in lengthy discussions on national issues.
He urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Ogbeh’s humility, forgiveness and ability to unite people across divides, describing such virtues as crucial to the nation’s progress.
