Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has described former President Muhammadu Buhari’s public request for forgiveness as an “impressive” gesture, particularly in light of his age, position, and legacy.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday and reflecting on Buhari’s final words to the nation before his passing, Onaiyekan said it was significant that the former President acknowledged the possibility that he had wronged some Nigerians during his time in office, despite stating that he had done his best.
Onaiyekan said, “Definitely it is impressive when someone at his age would ask, and with all that he has done, would ask that those whom he has hurt should forgive him.”
He noted that Buhari’s appeal did not clarify whether the harm caused was intentional or perceived, but stressed that such a gesture from a leader is meaningful, especially in a country as complex as Nigeria.
He said, “We can presume that he knows first that he must have hurt many people, but what we don’t know is whether he is asking for forgiveness because he hurt them deliberately, or whether the hurt that he caused was really not true and he has no guilt about those hurt.”
He further stated, “But when you are a head of state, you step on many toes. Sometimes too you have to step on some toes. It is neither here nor there, but it was wise of him to say, ‘let Nigerians forgive me.’
“I imagine I’m taking that from the point of view of his faith, of his religious position. He’s a man who believes that it’s time to start putting your house in order with the almighty God.”
Melissa Enoch
