Former Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido, being led to prison.
The 69-year-old ex-governor described his arrest as the beginning of restoration of confidence in political leadership in Nigeria. He recalled that he had been arrested in the past for holding opposing political views, but stressed that he would never be discouraged in politics.
Lamido noted that if the purpose of his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was to humiliate or destroy him and his family, he would not be discouraged.
According to the former governor, his arrest was a political hazard that a serious politician must go through.
“In the process to improve democracy, there would be some mistakes. I am not a perfect human being; I have my own shortcomings. And in my own case, I’m outspoken, which perhaps explained why people found me too offensive and irritating,” he said.
Lamido confessed that he was worried about his sons who were innocent but had to suffer simply because their father served as a governor. Therefore, he called on Aminu and Mustapha to forgive him and be patient with the situation they found themselves in.
The ex-governor said he was determined to serve his people, adding that he held no grudges against anybody over his arrest.
On July 14, Lamido and his two sons were granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Judge Gabriel Kolawole granted the accused and his sons bail in the sum of N25 million, in addition to a requirement that they submit their travel passports to the court.