JOHN ONAIYEKAN HAILS BUHARI’S FINAL APOLOGY AS ‘IMPRESSIVE GESTURE’

Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has commended the late President Muhammadu Buhari for publicly asking Nigerians to forgive him before his death, describing the gesture as both “impressive” and rare in the annals of Nigerian leadership. Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Onaiyekan said the appeal was a meaningful act of humility, especially coming from someone who wielded immense power.

Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy and final message, the cleric remarked that it takes courage and deep self-awareness for a former president to publicly admit he may have wronged citizens while in office. “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,” Onaiyekan stated.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Says ,A Gesture Rooted in Faith and Conscience

Cardinal Onaiyekan suggested that Buhari’s plea for forgiveness was likely influenced by his religious beliefs and a sense of moral responsibility. “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,” he said, implying that such a public appeal was more than political—it was spiritual.

The cleric highlighted how rare it is for political leaders in Nigeria to take public responsibility for the unintended or perceived consequences of their actions. In a country where accountability often trails far behind power, Buhari’s words may serve as a significant precedent. “It was wise of him to say, ‘Let Nigerians forgive me,’” Onaiyekan added.

Leadership, Legacy, and the Toes Stepped On

Onaiyekan acknowledged that it is nearly impossible for a head of state to serve without stepping on toes, either by necessity or through policy decisions that might not sit well with all citizens. He said such realities come with the territory of leadership, especially in a diverse and complex country like Nigeria.

“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,” Onaiyekan observed. His comments underscored the nuanced nature of leadership, where even actions taken in national interest can be perceived as personal affronts by some.

Intentional or Not—The Question of Guilt

One of the more thought-provoking aspects of Onaiyekan’s commentary was his reflection on whether Buhari’s apology was for deliberate harm or unintended consequences. “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 explained.

This ambiguity, the cardinal noted, does not diminish the value of Buhari’s final words. Rather, it reveals the complexity of governance and public perception, where good intentions do not always align with outcomes—and where even well-meaning policies may result in pain for some segments of society.

A Legacy of Reflection and a Lesson for Leaders

Cardinal Onaiyekan’s remarks serve as a broader call for reflection among Nigeria’s political class. Buhari’s willingness to express contrition—even in death—could serve as a model for current and future leaders to embrace humility and seek reconciliation with the governed.

In a nation where public trust in leadership is frequently strained, Buhari’s final words have sparked a moment of national introspection. “When someone with that kind of responsibility acknowledges publicly that they may have caused pain, it challenges others in leadership to take stock of their actions as well,” Onaiyekan said. The cardinal’s message was clear: true leadership does not end with power—it endures through accountability, even in one’s final moments.