Farouk Lawan: I’m a better person after seven years in prison
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Farouk Lawan, has described his seven-year prison sentence as a transformative period of his life.
Lawan made this remark on Saturday while visiting his Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency.
Addressing a large convoy of supporters, he said, “Today, I am a better person, and I thank God for everything. My visit is not political but rather to pay condolences, sympathise with the sick, and pay homage to our fathers and traditional leaders.”
Dressed in the signature Kwankwasiyya red-and-white cap, Lawan noted, “I’m freelancing in politics for now; I don’t belong to anybody.”
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During his visit, he was received by traditional leaders and community members who lauded his resilience and dedication to his people, even during his incarceration.
District Head of Bagwai, Nura Shehu Ahmad, described Lawan’s imprisonment as “a blessing in disguise,” adding, “Today, many of us here who were once your enemies have turned into not only your supporters but your loyal supporters.”
Similarly, the District Head of Shanono, Ibrahim Sani Gaya, commended Lawan’s virtues, stating, “Politics aside, Farouk Lawan is a very good person who respects everyone regardless of their position in life. No wonder you have such a huge crowd escorting you to your hometown. I hope you will maintain these good virtues.”
Saidu Sarkin Ya, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), appealed to the Federal Government to grant Lawan clemency and remove his ex-convict status, saying, “Anytime, anywhere, Farouk Lawan can win elections despite his absence. We appeal to the Federal Government to grant him clemency and remove the ex-convict tag so he can continue to make an impact.”
Lawan, once a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legislature, was convicted of receiving a $3 million bribe from oil magnate Femi Otedola during a probe into the oil subsidy regime. He was sentenced to seven years in prison by Justice Angela Otaluka of the FCT High Court, Apo, and ordered to refund $500,000 to the federal government.