Farouk Lawan Thanks Tinubu for Presidential Pardon, Says Gesture Has Renewed His Hope

Former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him a presidential pardon, describing the gesture as one that has “renewed his hope in justice, compassion, and reconciliation.”

Lawan was among the 175 Nigerians who received a presidential prerogative of mercy following the approval of the Council of State during its meeting on Thursday.

The list of pardoned individuals also included notable figures such as Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, and Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory who served under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

In a statement released via his official Facebook page shortly after the announcement, Lawan lauded President Tinubu for what he described as “a fatherly, compassionate, and decisive act of leadership.”

He noted that the president’s action exemplifies forgiveness and a commitment to national healing.

“I am profoundly grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this act of mercy. It reflects his belief in second chances, justice tempered with compassion, and the possibility of renewal for every Nigerian,” Lawan said.

Lawan also extended his appreciation to the Council of State, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and all those who facilitated the process. He pledged to use the opportunity for renewed service to humanity and to contribute positively to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The former lawmaker, who once chaired the House Committee on Appropriation, was convicted in 2021 on corruption charges related to the fuel subsidy investigation but had consistently maintained his innocence.

President Tinubu’s latest wave of pardons has been widely interpreted as part of his broader effort to promote national reconciliation and social cohesion, coming at a time when the administration is emphasizing justice reforms and the reintegration of citizens into the national fold.