Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that he carries no grudges against anyone for previous political activities or personal attacks on him.
The former Nigerian leader emphasized that forgiveness and reconciliation are critical to Nigeria’s unity and growth.
Jonathan made the statements on Wednesday evening in Abuja, during a requiem mass for the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh.
According to a statement released by his spokeswoman, Ikechukwu Eze, the former president praised the late Ogbeh as a humble and forgiving individual who never harbored animosity, much like his approach to 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.
“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.
Jonathan recalled how their connection began, stating that it dated back to his days as deputy governor of Bayelsa State, when Ogbeh was the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“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 tires, 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 mentioned that their cordial relationship endured even after he became president, adding:
“Whenever he wanted to see me, he would come, and sometimes we would spend up to an hour discussing national issues.”
Jonathan called on Nigerian politicians to emulate Ogbeh’s virtues of humility, forgiveness, and bridge-building, stressing that such values are critical for healing political divisions and ensuring sustainable development.
Ogbeh, who died in Abuja on August 9, 2025, was a notable Nigerian politician who served as the PDP’s National Chairman from 2001 to 2005.
He also worked as a minister in the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where he promoted agricultural reforms and food security programs.
