Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed that he holds no grudges against anyone regarding past political actions or personal attacks. During a requiem mass in Abuja for the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, Jonathan emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation for Nigeria’s unity and progress.
He described Ogbeh as a humble and forgiving individual who believed in leaving the past behind. Jonathan noted their long-standing friendship, which began when he served as deputy governor of Bayelsa State and Ogbeh was the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Jonathan urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Ogbeh’s virtues of humility and bridge-building, asserting that such qualities are essential for healing political divisions and fostering sustainable development. He reflected on Ogbeh’s contributions to agriculture and food security during his time as a minister and reiterated his own philosophy of moving forward without holding onto past grievances.
The former president’s call for forgiveness echoes his decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, a move widely credited with preventing potential national crisis and violence.
