Former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Muhammad Lawan, has said the state pardon granted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signifies a new beginning in his life and underscores reconciliation with destiny.
Last Thursday, President Tinubu granted Lawan a presidential pardon alongside 174 others.
Lawan was jailed for seven years after being convicted of bribery and corruption. However, he stayed only five years in detention after the Supreme Court reviewed an appeal filed by his lawyers, which eventually led to his release from Kuje prison on October 22, 2024.
Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency, was former Chairman, House of Representatives probe panel on oil subsidy regime, who received a $3 million bribe from oil magnate, Femi Otedola.
In a statement he personally signed and released on Thursday, Lawan described Tinubu’s presidential gesture as a divine act of mercy.
In the statement tagged, ‘My Hope Is Renewed, Mr President,’ Lawan said Tinubu “has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold.”
He added: “A day like this is not for a long treatise. I lie prostrate, utterly humble in my heart and entire being, grateful for the mercy which Allah (SWT), through Mr President and my country, has shown me.
“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 singular unfailing beacon. I remain eternally indebted to you.”
He said the experience had taught him lessons in humility and reflection, noting that the presidential pardon had renewed his sense of purpose.
“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 noted.
Although Lawan is yet to declare his next political ambition, his active participation in the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State point to a strategic move to stage a return to full partisan politics.
