My pardon signifies new beginning, Farouk Lawan speaks after being granted presidential pardon

Farouk Muhammad Lawan has reacted after he was granted a presidential pardon. 

The former member of the House of Representatives, representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency said his pardon signified a new beginning in his life. 

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 9, granted Lawan a presidential pardon, along with 174 other individuals. 

Lawan was jailed for seven years over bribery and corruption. He served five years in detention after the Supreme Court reviewed an appeal filed, which eventually led to his release from Kuje Prison on October 22, 2024. 

In a statement he personally signed on Thursday, Lawan described Tinubu’s presidential gesture as a divine act of mercy. 

In his 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.” 

Lawan 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 added.