Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasised the value of forgiveness and letting go, especially in politics, to foster national unity and progress.
Jonathan spoke those things on Wednesday night at the late Chief Audu Ogbeh’s funeral liturgy in Abuja.
He paid his final respects to the older statesman, well-known politician, and farmer with his family, friends, and allies.
Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan’s special adviser, released a statement that included his remarks.
The former president reflected Ogbeh’s philosophy of life in his eulogy, describing him as a humble and merciful leader who never harboured 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,” Dr. 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 people. I believe the past is past—and I move on.”
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Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late Chief Ogbeh, Dr. Jonathan recalled their close friendship dating back to his time as Deputy Governor.
“I didn’t know Chief Ogbeh until I became a deputy governor when he was serving as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (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,” he said.
Dr Jonathan added that their relationship remained cordial 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,” he noted.
The former President urged Nigerian politicians to emulate the values Chief Ogbeh stood for, especially his humility, spirit of forgiveness, and ability to unify people across different segments of society.
