Former Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr. Saadu Alanamu, has expressed his gratitude to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for the presidential pardon granted to him.

Alanamu, who was jailed for corruption breathed the air of freedom on Monday when he was released from the Federal Correctional Centre, where he was serving his term.

Alanamu, who was granted presidential pardon along with 159 others in April, 2022, by the National Council of State, thanked Buhari and the committee in charge of the programme for finding him worthy of mercy.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, he said, “I need to thank Buhari for exercising his prerogative of mercy and also by extension, the presidential committee for finding me worthy of mercy.”

Alanamu also thanked his family members for their support and solidarity during his trying times as well as the Islamic clerics for supporting him with prayers over the years, which had culminated in his eventual release.

He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Ilorin Emirate, especially the Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Alanamu, who was pardoned on the ground of ill health and being beneficial to the society, said that he held no grudge against anyone as he had learnt a great lesson from his ordeal.

“I have learnt greatly from this phase of my life. I'm just grateful to God and I want to say that I hold no grudge against anyone and I'm at peace with myself,” he said.