FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he bears no grudges against anyone over past political disputes or personal attacks, stressing that forgiveness, humility, and reconciliation are indispensable for Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress.
Jonathan made the remarks on Wednesday evening in Abuja during a requiem mass held in honour of the late Audu Ogbeh, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement released by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze sent to News Point Nigeria, the former president described Ogbeh as a man of peace, humility, and forgiveness, whose values should serve as a model for Nigerian leaders.
“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,” 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 anybody. I believe the past is past, and I move on.”
Jonathan recounted how his relationship with Ogbeh dated back to his early political career in Bayelsa State.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He fondly remembered visiting Ogbeh in Abuja and holding long, meaningful discussions, even after rising to the presidency.
“Whenever he wanted to see me, he would come, and sometimes we would spend up to an hour discussing national issues,” Jonathan added.
The former president urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Ogbeh’s values, noting that humility, forgiveness, and bridge-building are crucial to healing political divisions and ensuring sustainable development.
Jonathan’s call echoes his own political philosophy, notably demonstrated in 2015 when he peacefully conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election, a move widely credited with preventing national violence and preserving Nigeria’s democracy.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, who passed away on August 9, 2025, in Abuja, was a towering figure in Nigerian politics. As PDP National Chairman between 2001 and 2005, he played a key role in shaping party politics in the Fourth Republic.
He later served as Minister of Agriculture under President Buhari, where he championed agricultural reforms, food security, and farmer empowerment policies that left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s economy.
Jonathan praised Ogbeh’s contributions, describing him as a patriot who lived a life of service, dialogue, and tolerance.
“Forgiveness and reconciliation are what Nigeria needs to move forward,” Jonathan concluded.
