Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the presidential pardon he received, stating that the gesture has “renewed” his hope.
Lawan is among 175 individuals granted the presidential prerogative of mercy following the Council of State’s approval of Tinubu’s recommendations on Thursday. Other notable beneficiaries include Nigeria’s founding father Herbert Macaulay and former FCT Minister Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.) from the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his Facebook account after the pardon, Lawan praised the president as “fatherly, compassionate, and decisive.” He stated, “To a fatherly, compassionate, and decisive political leader, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, God, and history shall remember you.”
Lawan reflected on the significance of the pardon, saying, “Mr. President has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold. A day like this is not for a long treatise.”
He expressed his deep humility and gratitude: “I lie, prostrate utterly humble in my heart and entire being, grateful for the mercy which Allah (SWT), through Mr. President and my country, have shown me.”
The former representative of the Bagwai/Shanono constituency in Kano State became embroiled in a high-profile bribery scandal in 2012, accused of demanding $3 million from businessman Femi Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum from an alleged list of companies involved in petrol subsidy fraud. Public outrage intensified after video footage surfaced of Lawan handling large sums of cash, leading to his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
On June 22, 2021, a Federal Capital Territory High Court convicted Lawan on three counts and sentenced him to seven years in prison. An appellate court later acquitted him on two counts but upheld one conviction, reducing his sentence to five years. The Supreme Court affirmed this verdict in January 2024, and Lawan was released in October 2024 after serving his term.
Reflecting on his journey, Lawan stated, “During the eclipse at noon of my life, a path designed by destiny, a past with which I am fully reconciled, my family, friends, and associates stood by me through thick and thin; their light became my singular unfailing beacon. I remain eternally indebted to you. May Allah (SWT) recompense you.”
He emphasized his unwavering faith in Nigeria, saying, “Throughout those moments of sober reflection, my faith in the greatness of our Fatherland never wavered, nor did my resolve to contribute to it ever weaken. A re-dedication to the ideals of Nigeria is upon me. My hope is renewed.”
Lawan concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of his family, friends, and associates, stating, “We are indescribably grateful to Mr. President for drafting me back into active citizenship with its unavoidable service imperative.” The pardon effectively removes a significant legal and reputational barrier that could impact Lawan’s ability to re-engage in politics or public life.
