Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a significant role in teaching him the values of tolerance and forbearance in politics.
Metuh, who marked his 60th birthday on Friday, reflected on his past as one of Tinubu’s fiercest critics during his time as PDP spokesperson.
He explained that despite that history, it was Tinubu who showed unexpected personal concern when Metuh faced arrest and prosecution.
“In my days as National Publicity Secretary, there was no political figure I criticised more than then–Senator Bola Tinubu,” he said.
“We saw him as the driving force of the opposition at the time, and many of our strongest press statements were directed at him.”
Metuh said he was taken aback when the same Tinubu he had opposed reached out to support him during his legal and health challenges, showing concern for his family and well-being.
“That experience taught me a deep lesson,” he added. “Tinubu showed me tolerance. He showed me forbearance. I believe leaders, whether in office or not, must learn to embody these virtues.”
Metuh, who now advocates for national unity and reconciliation in politics, said his experience demonstrates how understanding and empathy can help rebuild trust in the nation’s political space.
