Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has expressed his deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon, a move that has rekindled his hope for the future and reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria. Lawan, who represented the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano State, was among several individuals pardoned by the president on Thursday.
Lawan’s legal troubles began in 2012 when he was accused of demanding a $3 million bribe from billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. The bribe was allegedly sought in exchange for removing Otedola’s company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, from a list of firms implicated in the petrol subsidy fraud scandal. The matter garnered widespread attention, particularly after video footage surfaced showing Lawan stuffing bundles of money into his traditional attire, a sight that quickly went viral on social media.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged Lawan with seven counts of bribery. In June 2021, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court convicted him on all three charges and sentenced him to seven years in prison. However, in February 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Lawan on two of the three charges, reducing his sentence from seven years to five for the remaining count.
In January 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the appellate court’s verdict, affirming the conviction on one count and maintaining the reduced sentence. Lawan was released from prison in October 2024 after serving his five-year term.
Now, with the recent presidential pardon, Lawan has been granted a fresh opportunity to rebuild his life and career. In a heartfelt statement, Lawan thanked President Tinubu for his “fatherly, compassionate, and decisive” leadership, expressing that the pardon had given him a renewed sense of purpose.
“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 said. “Mr. President has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold.”
He went on to reflect on the difficult times he had faced, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, friends, and associates. “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,” Lawan wrote. “Their light became my singular unfailing beacon. I remain eternally indebted to you. May Allah (SWT) recompense you.”
Lawan also spoke about the renewed faith he has in Nigeria’s potential and his own role in its progress. “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.”
This pardon clears a significant legal and reputational hurdle for Lawan, should he decide to re-enter politics or public service. With his conviction now behind him, Lawan’s supporters in Kano and across Nigeria are eager to see what the next chapter holds for the former lawmaker.
Lawan’s return to the political arena may be marked by his commitment to Nigeria’s development, but for now, he is focused on expressing his gratitude to those who stood by him and on embracing the second chance he has been given. The presidential pardon not only represents a personal victory for Lawan but also a powerful reminder of the potential for redemption and renewal in Nigerian politics
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