Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has called for forgiveness and national healing, using the example of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela to encourage Nigerians to move past historical grievances.
Onanuga’s remarks come in the context of recent discussions surrounding former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) and his controversial role in Nigeria’s political history.Onanuga, while speaking on national unity, referenced Nelson Mandela’s remarkable ability to forgive those who were responsible for his 27 years of imprisonment. He suggested that Nigeria, like South Africa, could benefit from similar reconciliation, urging Nigerians to let go of past wrongs and focus on healing.
“Look at Nelson Mandela, he forgave those people who put him in jail. The deed is done but it's time to forgive,” Onanuga stated. "Mandela’s approach teaches us that forgiveness is not just about the past but also about moving forward for the greater good of the nation."
His comments seem to be a direct response to lingering questions about the role IBB played in Nigeria’s tumultuous political history, including his involvement in the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. Onanuga, however, implied that rather than dwelling on past mistakes, Nigerians should focus on the future and work towards building a more united and prosperous country.
“While it is natural to reflect on past events, we must remember that it is time for us as a people to embrace forgiveness, just as Mandela did, and work toward a brighter future,” Onanuga added.
The call for forgiveness and reconciliation aligns with broader efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to heal divisions within Nigerian society and promote national cohesion. Onanuga’s remarks reflect the delicate balance between acknowledging past mistakes and encouraging a forward-looking perspective.
As debates around Nigeria’s political history continue to evolve, Onanuga’s comments add a layer of depth to the ongoing conversation on healing and moving past historical grievances in the quest for unity.
