Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon, describing the gesture as a “warm blanket” that has restored his hope and reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria.
Lawan was among 175 individuals pardoned on Thursday, following the Council of State’s approval of Tinubu’s recommendations.
The pardon, which also extended to notable figures like Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian founding father, and Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former FCT minister under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, was announced on Thursday.
In a heartfelt statement shared via his Facebook account that evening, Lawan hailed Tinubu as a “fatherly, compassionate, and decisive” leader.“
To His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, God and history shall remember you,” Lawan wrote.
“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.”
Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono in Kano State, was convicted in 2021 for his role in a 2012 bribery scandal involving a $3 million demand from businessman Femi Otedola to clear Zenon Petroleum from a petrol subsidy fraud list.
Video evidence of Lawan handling large sums of cash sparked widespread public outrage.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sentenced him to seven years in prison on three counts.
In 2022, an appellate court acquitted him on two counts, reducing his sentence to five years, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court in January 2024.
Lawan completed his sentence and was released in October 2024.Reflecting on his ordeal, Lawan credited his family, friends, and associates for their unwavering support.
“During the eclipse at noon of my life, a path designed by destiny, their light became my singular unfailing beacon. I remain eternally indebted to you,” he said.
He emphasized that his faith in Nigeria’s greatness never faltered, adding, “A re-dedication to the ideals of Nigeria is upon me. My hope is renewed.”
The pardon clears significant legal and reputational hurdles, potentially paving the way for Lawan’s return to public life or politics.
“My family and I, along with my friends and associates in Kano State and across Nigeria, are indescribably grateful to Mr President for drafting me back into active citizenship,” he concluded.
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