Farouk Lawan Expresses Gratitude To Tinubu Following Presidential Pardon

Hon. Farouk Lawan, former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, has expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon.

The pardon, which comes years after his conviction on bribery charges, has seemingly reinvigorated Lawan, who described it as a “warm blanket” pulling him back from the “harshness of yesterday’s cold.”

A press statement, Lawan personally signed was punctuated with expressions of praise to Allah, highlighting his deep faith and its role during his years of legal battles and subsequent imprisonment.

He began the statement with a resounding “Alhamdulillah!” repeated thrice, acknowledging the “Merciful and Beneficent” nature of God.

Lawan reserved particular praise for President Tinubu, whom he described as a “fatherly, compassionate, and decisive political leader.”

He predicted that Tinubu’s actions would be remembered favourably by both God and history. “Mr. President has cast a warm blanket over me,” Lawan wrote, “pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold.”

He acknowledged the weight of the moment, stating, “This day is not for a lengthy treatise. I lie prostrate, utterly humble in my heart and being, grateful for the mercy which Allah (SWT), through Mr. President and my country, has shown me.”

The pardon effectively erases the criminal record stemming from the 2013 conviction, allowing Lawan to once again fully participate in society and potentially hold public office.

The former legislator was initially convicted of demanding $3 million in bribe from oil magnate Femi Otedola, then Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, in exchange for removing Otedola’s company from the list of firms indicted for fuel subsidy fraud.

Lawan maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he accepted the money as evidence of attempted bribery.

In his statement, Lawan acknowledged the difficult period in his life, referring to it as an “eclipse at noon,” a “path designed by destiny,” and a “past with which I am fully reconciled.”

He emphasised the unwavering support he received from his family, friends, and associates. “During the eclipse at noon of my life, 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. May Allah (SWT) recompense you.”

Significantly, Lawan stressed that his faith in Nigeria remained undiminished throughout his ordeal. “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,” he declared.

He renewed his commitment to the country, stating, “A re-dedication to the ideals of Nigeria is upon me. My hope is renewed.”

The pardon has elicited mixed reactions. While Lawan’s supporters in Kano State and beyond have celebrated the development, others have criticised the decision, arguing that it undermines the fight against corruption and sends the wrong message about accountability for public officials.
However, Lawan’s statement makes it clear that he intends to move forward and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development.

“My family and I, along with my friends and associates in Kano State and across Nigeria, are indescribably grateful to Mr. President for drafting me back into active citizenship with its unavoidable service imperative,” he stated.