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Allah Opened My Eyes To See Who My True Allies Are – Former Lawmaker, Farouk Lawan Speaks After Presidential Pardon

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Former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has spoken after he was granted a presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

It was reports that Lawan who represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State, had been convicted in 2021 for soliciting and accepting bribes in 2012.

On June 22, 2021, a Federal High Court sentenced him to seven years in prison.

Lawan was among the 175 persons pardoned by President Tinubu on Thursday, October 9, 2025, following the recommendation of the Council of State.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday, Lawan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the president.

He stated that the experience taught him valuable lessons about life and destiny.

He said, “When someone goes through a trial and Allah grants a chance for pardon, you must be thankful. My family and well-wishers across the world were all filled with joy when the news broke.”

He added, “It was indeed a day of thanksgiving to Allah, for He made it possible, and to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for doing what is right, something worthy of commendation.”

Reflecting on his prison experience, Lawan said he had long surrendered everything to Allah, knowing that no one can escape destiny.

“Before I even got to prison, my mind was at peace. I knew that wherever I was going, I would meet people, and if others could survive there, I too could live through it,” he stated.

After his release in 2024, the former lawmaker said he took deliberate steps to realign his political direction, parting ways with the Kwankwasiyya movement, which he had long been associated with.

He explained that although he was a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member when he went to prison, he later instructed his supporters to join the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ahead of the 2023 elections, a directive they followed.

“When Allah allows you to face trials, He also opens your eyes to see who your true allies are and who are not. When you’re in a place like prison, you have enough time to reflect deeply on your relationships,” Lawan said.

He revealed that despite his closeness to the Kwankwasiyya movement, a prominent figure in the group never called to sympathise or rejoice with him after his release.

“It’s been a year now, and not even a phone call from him, not to say, ‘Thank you, Allah, you’re out,’ or offer a prayer for me,” he lamented.

Lawan, however, clarified that although he no longer identifies politically with the Kwankwasiyya group, he still maintains mutual respect for its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He concluded that his current focus is on working with a party that has broader national acceptance.

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Okpebholo directs Edo cabinet members to wear Tinubu-branded outfits

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has directed members of his cabinet to openly show their support for President Bola Tinubu by wearing branded outfits bearing the president’s insignia.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while swearing in newly appointed commissioners and inaugurating commissions and boards of agencies in Benin.

Okpebholo, who attributed his electoral victory to Tinubu’s support, said loyalty to the president must reflect even in appearance.

He said, “This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today we say thank you.

“I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back.”

The governor urged the commissioners to see their appointments as a call to serve the people rather than an opportunity for self-enrichment.

He also said he would not tolerate corruption in the government, adding that their appointment is not for self-enrichment.

The governor said, “You have been carefully screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly purely on merit. Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State.”

He stressed that his administration’s focus is on “practical governance,” not propaganda, and that their performance would be measured by tangible results across the state.

He added, “While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I want to warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people.”

“I hereby call on you to brace up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people.

“May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

“Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that History will judge us for our actions and not our intentions.”

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was among the dignitaries present at the event.

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PICTORIAL: Nigeria takes over G-24 leadership, promises global economic reforms

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Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four.

The federal government has pledged to amplify the voices of developing nations and drive inclusive global economic reforms when it formally takes office on November 1, 2025.

This was disclosed in a series of posts by the Central Bank of Nigeria on its official X handle on Wednesday.

The G-24 which was formed in 1971, brings together developing nations to forge common positions on global monetary policy and development financing, ensuring their collective voice is heard in international economic decision-making.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso and others at the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four annual meeting. Photo: CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso and others at the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four annual meeting. Photo: CBN

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the voice of the G-24 as a catalyst for inclusive dialogue and reform.

Cardoso stated, “Our focus will be on sustaining momentum in areas that matter most to our members. We look forward to working with members to advance our shared mission of inclusive growth, equity, and global stability.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso at the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four annual meeting. Photo: CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso at the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four annual meeting. Photo: CBN

“We are determined to ensure that the G-24 continues to be a formidable platform for representing the common interests of emerging and developing economies.”

Recall, in 2024, the federal government called for increased investments and trading partnerships from member countries of the G-24.

Edun had highlighted Nigeria’s strong potential to attract foreign investment across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and oil and gas.

He further pointed out that Nigeria possesses one of the largest expanses of arable land in the world, second only to Brazil, underscoring the nation’s potential to shift from being a food importer to a leading global food exporter.

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TCN commences 10-day maintenance on Gombe transmission substation

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Residents and business operators in Gombe State are expected to face up to ten days of irregular electricity supply as the Transmission Company of Nigeria begins maintenance work on its major transmission substation in the state.

The exercise, which TCN described as a routine preventive maintenance operation, aims to enhance power stability and improve the overall efficiency of the transmission network in the North-East region.

According to the company, the work will involve shutting down specific feeders and replacing critical control and protection panels — a process that may temporarily affect electricity supply in some parts of Gombe State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, TCN announced that the maintenance will run from October 14 to 24, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, at the Gombe 132/33kV Transmission Substation.

“The planned maintenance will enable our engineers to carry out replacement of protection and control panels on the Shongo 33kV Feeder 8,” the company stated.

TCN, however, clarified that the Jos Electricity Distribution Company would continue to receive bulk power during the exercise.

“To minimise inconvenience, load from the Shongo 33kV feeder will be transferred to the Darazo 33kV feeder, while that of Mallam Sidi will be moved to the Doma 33kV feeder,” the statement added.

The company assured residents that every measure had been put in place to reduce the impact of the exercise on power supply, stressing that the maintenance is crucial for preventing system failures and ensuring long-term service reliability.

Mbah added, “Preventive maintenance remains a key part of our operations. We appeal for public understanding and cooperation as we work to improve the quality and stability of electricity supply in Gombe and its environs.”

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