Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon, describing the gesture as a renewal of his faith and hope.
Lawan was among 175 Nigerians who received the presidential prerogative of mercy approved by the Council of State following the president’s recommendation. Other notable figures on the list include nationalist Herbert Macaulay and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.).
The former lawmaker conveyed his gratitude through a statement released shortly after the announcement, acknowledging the president’s compassion and decisive leadership. He reflected on the challenging period he had endured and extended appreciation to his family, friends, and associates who supported him throughout his ordeal.
Lawan, who represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State, was at the centre of a high-profile bribery scandal in 2012 involving a $3 million allegation linked to businessman Femi Otedola during investigations into the fuel subsidy regime.
He was subsequently tried by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and convicted by an Abuja High Court in 2021, receiving a seven-year sentence. His conviction was later reviewed by the Court of Appeal, which reduced his jail term to five years, a verdict later upheld by the Supreme Court. Lawan completed his sentence and regained freedom in October 2024.
The pardon, observers note, clears the former lawmaker of major legal and reputational constraints, potentially reopening opportunities for his reintegration into public and political life.
