Former member of the House of Representatives, representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency, Farouk Muhammad Lawan, has said his pardon signified a new beginning in his life and underscored reconciliation with destiny.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday granted Lawan a presidential pardon, along with 174 other individuals, including those involved in the late Agoni activities.

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.

He was a former Chairman of the House of Representatives probe panel on the oil subsidy regime and had received a bribe of $3 million from oil magnate Femi Otedola.

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

The Bagwai/Shanono-born politician, in his show of appreciation tagged “My Hope Is Renewed, Mr President,” 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 revealed.

Although Lawan is yet to declare his next political ambition, his active participation in the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano points to a strategic move to stage a return to full partisan politics. (The Guardian)