I don’t bear grudges, Jonathan urges politicians to embrace forgiveness
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he bears no grudges against anyone over past political actions or personal attacks, stressing that forgiveness and reconciliation are vital for Nigeria’s unity and progress.
Jonathan spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a requiem mass for the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described Ogbeh as a humble and forgiving leader who never held on to resentment.
“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.
“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.
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Jonathan recalled first meeting Ogbeh while serving as deputy governor of Bayelsa State, when Ogbeh was National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I didn’t know Chief Ogbeh until I became a deputy governor when he was serving as National Chairman of the 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,” Jonathan recounted.
He noted that their cordial relationship continued 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.”
Jonathan urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Ogbeh’s humility, forgiveness, and commitment to bridge-building, saying such values are essential for healing political divisions and fostering sustainable development.
Ogbeh, who died on August 9, 2025, in Abuja, was a former PDP National Chairman (2001–2005) and a Minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, where he championed agricultural reforms and food security initiatives.
