Farouk Lawan expresses gratitude to Tinubu for presidential pardon

Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon, describing the gesture as one that has “renewed his hope.”

Lawan was among 175 individuals granted presidential clemency following the approval of the Council of State on Thursday, based on the President’s recommendations. Other notable beneficiaries include Nigeria’s nationalist Herbert Macaulay and former FCT Minister under General Ibrahim Babangida, Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.)

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Thursday night, Lawan hailed President Tinubu as “a fatherly, compassionate, and decisive political leader.”

“Mr President has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold. I lie prostrate, utterly humbled in my heart and being, grateful for the mercy which Allah (SWT), through Mr President and my country, have shown me,” he wrote.

Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono constituency in Kano State, was a key figure in the 2012 fuel subsidy bribery scandal, where he was accused of soliciting a $3 million bribe from businessman Femi Otedola to remove Zenon Petroleum from a list of companies allegedly involved in subsidy fraud.

A video showing Lawan receiving bundles of cash went viral, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In June 2021, an FCT High Court convicted him on three counts and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment.

The Court of Appeal later acquitted him on two counts but upheld one, reducing his sentence to five years, a verdict confirmed by the Supreme Court in January 2024. He was released in October 2024 after completing his sentence.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Lawan thanked his family, friends, and supporters for standing by him.

“During the eclipse at noon of my life, a path designed by destiny, my family, friends, and associates stood by me through thick and thin.

“Their light became my unfailing beacon, and I remain eternally indebted to them,” he stated.

Lawan added that his experience has strengthened his faith and commitment to national service.

“Throughout those moments of sober reflection, my faith in the greatness of our Fatherland never wavered. My resolve to contribute to it has only grown stronger. My hope is renewed,” he said.

He also thanked President Tinubu for giving him “a second chance at active citizenship and service.”

The pardon effectively removes the legal and reputational barriers that had hindered Lawan’s potential return to politics or public service.