Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he has forgiven his ex-vice-president Atiku Abubakar and other persons perceived to have offended him in one way or the other.
Atiku, who was vice president to Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 was believed to done a lot of things against Obasanjo in a bid to outshine him and get the support of some governors to contest for president.
Reacting to the request of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum, NYLF, at the end of a two-day meeting in the Abeokuta area of Ogun State on Sunday, Obasanjo said as a father, he did not harbour any ill-feelings against anyone. He also said if there is anyone who felt otherwise, he had forgiven such a person.
The NYLF had begged Obasanjo openly: “In view of this, we humbly request that you forgive your former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for whatever political sin or offence he might have committed against you. We bow ourselves before you on his behalf and plead for mercy and understanding.”
In his response, Obasanjo said:
“On the request that you made yesterday, I do not have any grudge against anybody. And if there is any, I have forgiven all as a father.”
The respected former leader commended the group for coming to Abeokuta to seek a way forward for the country, stressing that “Since 2003, the effort of your group has been noteworthy. I’m happy that you have also increased in number. Let me appreciate all your support since 2003 and urge you to continue by ensuring that credible leaders are elected in 2015.”
The leader of the delegation and NYLF national chairman, Elliot Afiyo said “The leadership is in Abeokuta to visit our Baba to identify with his vision for our great country, Nigeria.
“We have come to you (Obasanjo) as a father, indeed, an elder statesman for sure, an advanced citizen par excellence, an honest and forthright leader, courageous and bold democrat, loving and compassionate.”
He noted that with such positive attributes, Obasanjo had no option than “to chastise and later forgive and embrace both the good and bad characters.
The youth group said they will do everything to ensure that only credible men win elections in 2015.
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