FORMER member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Muhammad Lawan, has described his presidential pardon as a profound moment of rebirth and reconciliation with destiny, marking what he called “a divine reset” in his personal and political journey.
News Point Nigeria reports that Lawan, who once represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency in Kano State, was among the 175 Nigerians granted a state pardon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, in a gesture the Presidency said was aimed at promoting “national healing, mercy, and restorative justice.”
The former lawmaker, who gained national attention as chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, was convicted in 2021 for collecting a $3 million bribe from oil magnate Femi Otedola during the 2012 subsidy probe.
He was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment but served five years before his release in October 2024, following a Supreme Court review of his appeal.
In a statement personally signed and titled “My Hope Is Renewed, Mr President,” sent to News Point Nigeria, Lawan expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu, describing the clemency as an act of divine mercy and a second chance to serve humanity.
“My pardon signifies a new beginning in my life and reconciliation with destiny,” he wrote.
“President Tinubu has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold. 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.”
He reflected on his ordeal and the years spent behind bars, which he described as “an eclipse at noon”, a difficult but spiritually refining experience.
“During those years of silence and introspection, my family, friends, and associates stood by me through thick and thin; their light became my unfailing beacon,” Lawan said.
“The experience taught me humility, strengthened my faith, and deepened my commitment to the ideals of nation-building.”
Lawan, who once stood as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s National Assembly, said the pardon rekindled his passion to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s 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,” he added.
The Kano-born politician’s statement has sparked political speculation about his next move. Although Lawan has not publicly declared a political comeback, his recent participation in All Progressives Congress (APC) meetings in Kano and Abuja has fueled rumours of an imminent return to active politics.
A senior APC member in Kano, who spoke to News Point Nigeria on condition of anonymity, described Lawan’s pardon as “a signal of political rehabilitation.”
“Farouk Lawan remains a brilliant and strategic politician. His experience is invaluable to any party. The pardon could be the beginning of his political reawakening,” the source said.
“This is not just about a pardon; it’s about rediscovery and reconciliation,” said Dr. Bashir Abdullahi Yola, a political analyst at Bayero University, Kano told News Point Nigeria. “Lawan’s message carries the tone of a man who has reflected deeply and is ready to start anew.”
The former lawmaker concluded his statement with a prayer for the President and the nation, pledging to channel his renewed freedom into promoting unity, justice, and faith in Nigeria’s destiny.