Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that, as a principle, he does not hold grudges against people over their past actions toward him.

Jonathan made this known on Thursday during a requiem mass held in Abuja in honour of the late Chief Audu Ogbeh, where he emphasized the importance of forgiveness and moving forward, particularly in politics.

Joining family members, friends, and dignitaries at the service, the former president paid glowing tribute to Ogbeh, describing him as a humble and forgiving statesman who lived without 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,” 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.”

Reflecting on their personal bond, Jonathan recalled meeting Ogbeh during his time as Deputy Governor, when Ogbeh 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,” Jonathan said.

He added that their relationship remained cordial even after he became president, noting that Ogbeh would occasionally visit him to discuss national issues at length.

The former president urged Nigerian politicians to emulate the late Ogbeh’s values of humility, forgiveness, and bridge-building across divides.