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  • BREAKING: Akpabio swears in Lalong

    BREAKING: Akpabio swears in Lalong

    Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, December 20, swore in former governor of Plateau state and immediate past minister of labour and employment, Simon Lalong, as the senator representing Plateau South.

    The Court of Appeal had declared Lalong as validly elected lawmaker to represent Plateau South senatorial district.

    Read Also: Lalong resigns from FEC

    Lalong had on Tuesday, December 19, formally resigned from the Federal Executive Council as minister.

    The Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on Lalong on the directives of the Senate President.

    Details later….

  • Lalong resigns from FEC

    Lalong resigns from FEC

    • Former Labour and Employment minister opts to take Plateau South Senate seat

    Minister of Labour and Employment Simon  Lalong has left President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, it was learnt at the weekend.

    Lalong, immediate past Plateau State governor, has opted to take the Plateau South Senatorial seat which he won.

    He is due to be sworn in this week by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sources said last night.

    Lalong, the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation in the rundown to the February Presidential poll, was declared loser of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He challenged the result, and victory was given to him by the Court of Appeal

    Lalong, a lawyer and two-term Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, tendered his resignation after Wednesday’s FEC meeting, in preparation for resumption at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    A presidential aide Imran Muhammad in his X handle last night twitted: “President Tinubu has  accepted Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong’s  resignation from the cabinet. His valedictory will hold at the next FEC meeting.”

    Also the spokesman for APC in Plateau State, Sylvanus Namang also confirmed Lalong’s resignation from FEC.

    Lalong  received his Certificate of Return last month.

    The Court of Appeal ordered the electoral commission to issue him the certificate of return, following the nullification of the election of Air Vice Marshall Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has now vacated the seat.

    Lalong was accompanied to the INEC Headquarters by his wife, Regina, and children as well as former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives Idris Wase; member representing QuanPan, Shendam, Mikang Federal Constituency John Dafaan; APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter; Minority leader of Plateau House of Assembly  Joe Bukar and some members of the Plateau Assembly; former Majority Leader Naalong; some former Plateau Commissioners; former Head of Service Sunday Hyat, some serving local government chairmen and other supporters.

    Also last month, the President and other party leaders held consultations with Lalong after he received the certificate of return.

    The consultation, said a source, focused on Lalong’s replacement in FEC.

    At the meeting, he was given an opportunity to recommend four names as possible replacement in FEC.

    According to the source, party leaders were excited that the resolution of the litigation arising from the Plateau South senatorial poll in Lalong’s favour had swelled its ranks in the Senate.

    A party source said Lalong, who is a loyal party member, agreed to resume at the Senate as a sacrifice.

    Party leaders also believe that his experience as a two-term House of Assembly Speaker will come in handy as he will unofficially enjoy the status of a ranking senator.

    Besides, the source said the thinking in the APC favoured the avoidance of an inevitable supplementary senatorial election which Lalong’s resignation from the Senate would cause.

  • Buhari at 81: Governors, Lalong, Kalu, Fayemi, Tallen, others eulogise ex-President

    Buhari at 81: Governors, Lalong, Kalu, Fayemi, Tallen, others eulogise ex-President

    Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Umar Dikko Radda (Katsina), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Babagana Zulum (Borno) have poured encomiums on former President Muhammadu Buhari on yesterday’s celebration of his 81st birthday.

    The senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, former Labour and Employment Minister Simon Bako Lalong, ex-Senate President Ahmad Lawan, ex-Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Women Affairs and Social Development Minister Pauline Tallen, and Katsina State House of Assembly Speaker Nasir Yahaya-Daura also felicitated the ex-President on his special day.

    In a statement yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, the Kwara State governor, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), described the ex-President as a leader with many outstanding accomplishments.

    AbdulRazaq said the former President symbolises humility, grit, calm, and patriotism.

    “He will be remembered for his giant strides in infrastructural transformation of Nigeria and his trail-blazing investments in retooling the Nigerian security architecture, especially the military,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mohammed Kalau, which conveyed the message of the governor of Buhari’s home state, reads: “Governor Radda commends the enduring qualities that make former President Buhari an iconic figure, his unwavering commitment to honesty, fairness, and deep love for the nation.

    “The governor expresses his sincere hope for the former President’s continued good health and happiness on this momentous occasion.”

    Also, in a congratulatory message yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Former President Muhammadu Buhari contributed immensely to Nigeria’s unity, growth and development, right from his youthful days till he bowed out of office as President on May 29, 2023, having served Nigeria passionately in different capacities as Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

    In a message on behalf of the government and people of Borno State, Governor Zulum said: “From his inaugural speech in 2015 to his actions till he left office, Buhari gave undivided attention to the fight against Boko Haram in Borno and the rest of the Northeast.”

    In a statement yesterday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Kalu described Buhari as a selfless and a patriotic statesman who has passion for nation-building.

    For Lalong, the former President is a patriotic Nigerian who continues to inspire the younger generation.

    Also, in a birthday message at the weekend in Abuja, Lawan described Buhari as a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to the service of the country and left an enduring legacy.

    In her birthday message, Dame Tallen, who served under Buhari, acknowledged that the former President’s long-standing commitment to the country remained unwavering and legendary.

    “Yours has been a record of steadfast service to our nation at different political epochs: having served as a military officer, military governor, minister, military Head of State, and President of Nigeria,” she said.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his media aide, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, former Governor Fayemi said: “As President, HE Buhari was dedicated to the welfare of the Nigerian people and worked tirelessly to advance the nation’s development.

    “He became President at a difficult time in our nation’s history, at a time when insecurity was rife with bombings across the country, especially in Abuja, the nation’s capital. However, through his leadership, we witnessed a great turnaround as the insurgency was largely contained, giving Nigerians a respite.”

  • Lalong: APC bickers over choice of replacement

    Lalong: APC bickers over choice of replacement

    An uneasy calm has surfaced in the fold of the All Progressive Congress  Plateau State over who replaces  Labour and Employment Minister  Simon Lalong in the Senate.

      Before his inauguration as minister,  Lalong was issued with a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in compliance with an order of a Court of Appeal.

     He was to represent the Plateau South Senatorial zone.

     A group of APC stalwarts led by Diray   Cyril, at a news conference in Jos yesterday said, “We receive with shock and amusement the purported disclaimer duly signed by the Plateau State APC Publicity Secretary; Mr Sylvanus Namang on a purported leaked document for the endorsement of   Bitrus   Kasuwa to replace the  Labour and Employment Minister.

     “Ordinarily, the said disclaimer by the state party should not worry us to put up this piece, but for the benefit of the gullible public and the weighty Party membership issues raised, we are compelled to address the press to put certain misconceptions and politics of exclusion in clear perspective.

    Read Also; Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

     “First and foremost, since the writers of the alleged leaked document confessed that their efforts to confirm from Hon. Bitrus Kasuwa Barji about the veracity of his purported endorsement by the State Party were fruitless, the Party should have considered such as fake news and refrain from making statements capable of questioning their neutrality.

    “Suffice it to mention here that, if the statement credited to the state party leadership is true to the effect that she does not know Hon. Bitrus Barji Kasuwa who bought forms and contested the party primaries twice for the position of House of Representatives to represent Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin Federal constituency, then such hasty conclusions leave much to be desired.

     “We expect a non-partisan leadership to have made attempts to find out his membership status from his ward if they cannot pick his unit Party register which is in their possession at the moment to confirm for themselves.

     “The right thing to do is for the party to take stock of all those interested in the Ministerial position and fashion out a systematic approach to harmonize all interests without necessarily casting aspirations on Legitimate Party members. Doing this will improve and strengthen the cohesiveness of the party to squarely face the challenges ahead of us.

     “Most importantly, we strongly believe that the replacement of Labour minister should be an opportunity for Plateau Central zone to present someone like Hon. Bitrus Barji Kasuwa who is a youth with unparalleled vision,  capacity, competence and above all a party loyalist of repute for the position”

     The group added that  “it must be borne in mind that, recent developments show that past Governors from the southern and Northern Plateau have nominated candidates from their zones for ministerial slots and were appointed.”

  • How Lalong forced me out of APC, by ex-chairman

    How Lalong forced me out of APC, by ex-chairman

    Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Chief Letep Dabang, has said he left the party as state chairman due to high handedness of the then Governor Simon Lalong.

    Dabang claimed he had to resign when he realized that there was no internal democracy in APC in the state.

    Speaking to newsmen in his Jos residence yesterday, Letep, who is the political adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said that he was totally at a loss how the Appeal Court arrived at its conclusion that PDP lacked the structure to nominate candidates for the 2023 general elections.

    He said that even the current chairman of APC, Mr. Rufus Bature, did not purchase any form to contest the position.

    He said: “Well for me, if there is any political party that has no structure, it’s the APC. All of us are living witnesses to how the leadership of the party emerged. In 2021, APC collapsed. No doubt about that.

    “It became obvious that internal democracy was not going to be obeyed. Councillorship candidate, chairmanship candidates were simply selected. And when it got to the congresses, all the election or purported congresses that took place at local and ward levels were stage-managed.

    “There were lots of hues and cries that showed clearly that there was no proper election that produced the current executive of the party in the state. We at a point had to apply to INEC to give us the certified copies as observers of the congress.

    Read Also: Ex-Ebonyi Deputy Speaker defects to APC

    “And the results were appalling, that majority of the wards there was no congresses that took place. It was also obvious that majority of the local government did not obey the tenets of democracy in electing their officers. It snowballed into the ugly situation took place at Crest Hotel where the state officers of the party were nominated.

    “And so I am at a loss why and how they say PDP has no structure. We know the circumstances that prevented us from participating in the local government election and the court said we should go and repeat it.

    “It’s also on record that the congress was successfully held where the current leadership of PDP emerged and in this second congress, nobody complained because there were no issues. I heard people say there was no substantial compliance but who is complaining about this substantial non-compliance. To me, I think some people resurrected what had been buried completely to suit some people’s purposes.”

    The former chairman said that it was because of the way things were going in APC and how the former governor monopolised the structure of APC on Plateau that forced him to resign.

    Dabang however expressed hope that the Supreme Court will look at the issues dispassionately and do the needful. He also asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look at the cases of the lawmakers sacked by the Appeal Court over issues of structures.

  • Lalong to Senators: Strikes will stop if Labour Ministry is well-funded

    Lalong to Senators: Strikes will stop if Labour Ministry is well-funded

    The Minister of Labour, Employment, Simon Lalong, on Friday said adequate funding for the ministry will help to stop incessant industrial actions and other labour disputes by workers in the country.

    Lalong made this assertion when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget proposals.

    The sum of N10billion has been allocated to the ministry as budget for 2024

    Lalong said the ministry’s duties were principally to create jobs, promote productivity and address workers’ welfare.

    He said the only way it could succeed was to have sufficient funds to work.

    According to him, strikes and other industrial disputes will be a thing of the past once there is adequate funding to tackle all labour-related issues.

    Lalong said: “If the ministry is well-funded, there will be no strikes in Nigeria. There were so many strikes ongoing during the budget preparation, and they mostly had to do with funding issues.

    “For instance, one of the parastatals under the ministry, the Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies, has a budget of N1.4billion for 2024 operations.

    Read Also: Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

    “The breakdown includes N785million for personnel cost, and N332million for overhead expenses,” he said.

    Speaking before the committee, the Director-General of the institute, Mr Issa Aremu, informed senators that while the initial proposal by the institute was N2.6billion, it was cut to N1.4billion by the budget office.

    Aremu, like Lalong, wondered how an institute charged with the responsibility of training 1,000 trainees in 2024, and another 1,350 in 2025, besides other core functions, could be achieved with N1.4billion.

    Aremu said, “This budget is very small, and it’s consistent with what the ministers have said. N2.6billion was our proposal, but this is what they are giving us, N1.4billion.

    “It’s surprising that the parent ministry itself has a budget of N10billion, out of a national budget of N27.5trillion. How can the ministry perform?

    “The only way we can assist the President (Bola Tinubu) in its job creation agenda, is for us to be properly funded.”

    Speaking at the session, a member of the committee and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC- Borno North), called for a “fundamental reorientation in the Budget Office, especially in relation to the envelope system.”

    Monguno said, “For a ministry like labour, the budget office should have reflected on the priorities of the current administration and ought to have raised the budget.

    “As a committee, we have the power of appropriation and we shall look at the budget thoroughly with a view to increasing it to a reasonable size.”

  • Lalong, guber candidate hail APC’s take over of Plateau Assembly

    Lalong, guber candidate hail APC’s take over of Plateau Assembly

    • It’s dawn of new era says Yalwatda
    • No shaking, I have faith in judiciary – Gov

    Minister of Labour and Employment and Senator-elect for Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has received the 11 APC members-elect of the Plateau State House of Assembly who were declared validly elected by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, saying, the victory is for the progress of Plateau people.

    Chairman of the APC in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature who presented the members-elect to the former governor said the journey to this victory was long envisaged because of the failure of the PDP to abide by its own constitution and the Constitution of Nigeria as well as court orders which mandated them to follow democratic tenets in constituting their state executive.

    He said the victory means a lot for the people of Plateau State and the APC family as more development will be recorded continuing from where the minister and former governor stopped.

    He said it was important for the members-elect to pay a visit to the leader of the APC in Plateau State to appreciate his leadership and guidance throughout the period of the struggle.

    Speaking on behalf of the Members, Minority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Member Shendam Constituency, Hon. Joe Bukar said the APC remains a strong party in the state and its records of achievements continue to be appreciated by the people.

    According to him, the declaration by the court affirming the election of the APC members clearly gives them an absolute majority in the House of Assembly and an opportunity to work for the interests of the generality of the citizens irrespective of backgrounds.

    He said the moment of victory is a lesson for all political actors to abide by the rules of the game at all times.

    Responding, Labour and Employment Minister Simon Bako Lalong congratulated the new members for retrieving their mandates.

    He urged them to be magnanimous in victory and consider the development as a win-win for all citizens of the state and their constituents.

    Lalong, in a statement by his Media Aide, Dr. Makut Macham, advised them to be prepared to put aside politics and serve the people without any hindrance as Plateau people are yearning for genuine leadership at this period of their history.

    According to him, politics must be done without any form of bitterness as all candidates and parties are citizens of Plateau State who want to contribute to the development of the State.

    Read Also: Lalong receives 11 Plateau Assembly Members-Elect

    The new members-elect are: Daniel Naanlong (Mikang), Sylvester Wallangko (Bokkos), Abdul Yanga (Mangu North East), Mathew Kwarpo (Mangu South), Dachung Moses (Riyom), Abel Nimchak (Langtang North North), Danty Laven (Pankshin South) Mark Sunday (Jos North West) Dagogot Owen (QuanPan North), Bendel Nanchwat (Langtang South), Isaac Dalyop Gyang (Jos South)

    The Plateau State Deputy Governor-elect Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, some local Government Chairmen and other party stalwarts were present at the visit.

    Also applauding the victory of the 11 lawmakers, the Governor -elect of Plateau State, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, described the present composition of the state House of Assembly as a dawn of a new era.

    Reacting to the judgement of the Court Appeal where almost all APC candidates were returned as the duly elected members of the House, Nentawe stressed that it is so pleasing and encouraging that justice has been served at last.

    In a statement through his spokesman, Shittu Bamaiyi, the governor-elect pointed out that there is nothing as fulfilling and comforting as the near total control of the legislature by his party.

    Nentawe expressed absolute confidence and assurance that things would work out for good, if he is eventually sworn -in as the governor of the state.

    While awaiting the outcome of the rest of the petitions, Nentawe congratulated all the members for a hard won victory noting that at least, the end has now justified the means.

    The Governor -elect in extending his joy and appreciation to other members of the APC for their unwavering support, urged them to fervently pray for the final success story of the party at the Supreme Court and to continue to be law abiding.

    He also used the opportunity to shower encomiums on the legal team of the APC, notably Sunday Obende, Musa Bako, Jim Gotom and Ayuba Yirvoms for their brinkmanship, proficiency and professionalism in prosecuting the appeals.

    Meanwhile, the incumbent governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has restated his confidence in the judiciary to give him justice and restore his mandate soon.

    Mutfwang who described his loss at the Court of Appeal as a temporary setback urged his supporters in the state to remain calm and be optimistic of victory at the apex court.

    Mutfwang stated this while addressing thousands of PDP loyalists and admirers at the Yakubu Gowon Airport on his arrival from Abuja, thanking the people of the state for standing with him.

    He said, “I want to also thank our friends across Nigeria and across the world who have stood with us.  They have shown interest in what is happening on the Plateau and I want to extend very big thanks to all who have prayed with us and prayed for us.

    “I want to assure you that we began this project with God on our side and I want to assure you that God is still with us. By His grace, Plateau people will smile. By His grace, Plateau people will rejoice. We fear no fault of anyone and we are confident in the judiciary despite all that has happened, we are confident in the judiciary.”

    Mutfwang added that “God who controls the hearts of men is going to  bring joy to the people of Plateau State . Therefore, I urge all of us to remain steadfast in prayer. To remain steadfast, there is no need for any evil talk.

    “We will not reply to those who mean evil to us. We will continue to encourage our people to remain calm and peaceful. This is our line. We will not allow anyone to destroy us. Therefore we must stay together as one family.

    He disclosed that there are people who wanted to destroy Plateau and “there are people who are not happy with our unity. But by the grace of God, I want to assure you all of our unflinching support to rebuild Plateau State. I want to thank you. I am proud of all the people of Plateau that let us stay together. I am proud and excited that you have made me your leader. I am proud of all Plateau people.”

  • Lalong receives 11 Plateau Assembly Members-Elect

    Lalong receives 11 Plateau Assembly Members-Elect

    Minister of Labour and Employment and Senator-elect for Plateau South Simon Lalong has received the 11 All Progressives Congress (APC) Members-Elect of Plateau Assembly declared validly elected by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja. 

    He said their victory is for the progress of Plateau people.

     Plateau APC chairman Hon. Rufus Bature, who presented the Members-Elect to the former Governor, said the journey to their victory was long envisaged because of the failure of the PDP to abide by its own Constitution and the Constitution of Nigeria. 

    He said it was important for the Members-Elect to pay a visit to the leader of the APC in Plateau State to appreciate his leadership and guidance throughout the period of the struggle. 

    Speaking on behalf of the Members, Plateau Minority Leader Hon. Joe Bukar said the APC remains a strong party in the State and people continue to appreciate its records of achievements. 

    According to him, the declaration by the court affirming the election of the APC members clearly give them an absolute majority in the House of Assembly and an opportunity to work for Plateau people. 

    He said the moment of victory is a lesson for all political actors to abide by the rules of the game at all times. 

    Responding, Lalong congratulated the new members for retrieving their mandates.

    He urged them to be magnanimous in victory and consider the development as a win-win for all citizens of the State and their constituents. 

    Lalong, in a statement by his Media Aide, Dr. Makut Macham, advised them to be prepared to put aside politics and serve the people without any hindrance as Plateau people are yearning for genuine leadership at this period of their history. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to decide on Minister Lalong’s Senate seat

    According to him, politics must be done without any form of bitterness as all candidates and parties are citizens of Plateau State who want to contribute to the development of the State.

    The new Members-Elect are: Daniel Naanlong (Mikang), Sylvester Wallangko (Bokkos), Abdul Yanga (Mangu North East), Mathew Kwarpo (Mangu South), Dachung Moses (Riyom), Abel Nimchak (Langtang North North), Danty Laven (Pankshin South) Mark Sunday (Jos North West) Dagogot Owen (QuanPan North), Bendel Nanchwat (Langtang South), Isaac Dalyop Gyang (Jos South)

    Plateau Deputy Governor-elect Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, some local Government Chairmen and other party stalwarts were present at the visit.

  • Tinubu to decide on Minister Lalong’s Senate seat

    Tinubu to decide on Minister Lalong’s Senate seat

    • Ex-governor picks Certificate of Return

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will decide whether Labour and Employment Minister and Senator-elect Simon Lalong will remain in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) or quit for Senate, it was learnt last night.

    Lalong yesterday received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna as Senator-elect for Plateau South, raising speculations that he might resign his ministerial position and go to the Senate.

    A source yesterday said the former Plateau State governor told him earlier in the week that the President would decide on the matter on his return from Germany.

    Lalong’s aides also confirmed that he was waiting for the President to decide what he would do.

    However, an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader said yesterday that Lalong would take his seat at the Senate. According to him, this had been decided at all the appropriate levels.

    The party chieftain said APC leaders are excited that the resolution of the litigation arising from the Plateau South Senatorial poll in Lalong’s favour will swell APC’s ranks in the Senate.

    Lalong got the Certificate of Return which was withdrawn from his opponent in the February 20 election Air Vice Marshall Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the order of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

    Lalong, who was Director-General of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, was appointed minister when the suit arising from the poll was still pending in court.

    The minister was accompanied to the INEC National Headquarters by his wife Regina, children and prominent party leaders from Plateau State.

    Read Also: Tinubu assents to DICON Bill 2023

    They included former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Member Representing QuanPan, Shendam, House Representatives member John Dafaan (Mikang Constituency), APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, Minority leader of  Plateau State House of Assembly Joe Bukar, former Majority Leader Naalong, former Head of Service Sunday Hyat, former commissioners and many council chairmen.

    Presenting the Certificate of Return, Haruna congratulated him, urging him to re-dedicate himself to the service of his people.

    Lalong, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Mukut Macham, thanked the people of Plateau South for their support and cooperation.

    He dedicated the victory to them, promising not to let the constituents down.

    A party source said Lalong, who is a loyal party member, would abide by the decision on the next move the president may suggest.

    The source said the preponderance of opinion tended to swing towards the direction of Lalong’s return to the parliament.

    He said if he resumes at the Senate, his experience as a two-term House of Assembly Speaker will come in handy, adding that he will enjoy the status of a ranking senator.

    Besides, the source said the thinking in the APC favoured the avoidance of an inevitable supplementary senatorial election which Lalong’s resignation from the Senate will cause.

    The source said: “Lalong has conceded to the President, who is his boss in the FEC and National Leader of his party, to in consultation with other leaders, particularly from the Northcentral,  suggest the way forward. He is not opposed to making sacrifices in honour of the party.

    “He is a treasured member of the cabinet, who has been very active. He is a dependable ally of the President, and in fact, the leader of cabinet members from the Northcentral, whose profile cannot diminish if he quits for the Senate, which is his political right and electoral entitlement.”

    The source acknowledged that if Lalong quits, there may be jostling for the vacancy in FEC.

    Party chieftains likely to be considered as replacement are Dr Amos Gizo, Director of Artisans of the defunct Presidential Campaign Council and Faunter.

    The source added: “If it turns out to leaving the cabinet, Lalong will make a significant input into the choice of his successor as minister.”

  • Lalong receives certificate-of-return as Senator-Elect

    Lalong receives certificate-of-return as Senator-Elect

    Minister of Labour and Employment and Senator-elect for Plateau South Simon Lalong has received his certificate-of-return from the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC). 

    Lalong received it at the INEC Headquarters Maitama Abuja from National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna.

    The Court of Appeal ordered INEC to issue Lalong certificate of return as the duly elected Senator for Plateau South following the nullification of the election of AVM Napoleon Bali and withdrawal of certificate issued to him.

    Read Also: Appeal Court verdict: Lalong welcomes Goshewe’s victory

    During the brief event, the National Commissioner congratulated the former Plateau Governor and wished him well as he continues to serve the people. 

    Lalong, in a statement by his Media aide, Dr. Mukut Macham, expressed joy on the victory and dedicated the certificate to the good people of Plateau South for their support and cooperation over the years, promising never to let them down.

    He was accompanied to the INEC Headquarters by his wife Mrs Regina Lalong and children as well as former Deputy Speaker House Idris Wase; member representing QuanPan, Shendam, Mikang Federal Constituency Hon. John Dafaan; APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter; Minority leader of Plateau Assembly Hon. Joe Bukar and some members of the Plateau Assembly; former Majority Leader Hon. Naalong; some former Plateau Commissioners; former Head of Service Engr. Sunday Hyat, some serving Local Government Chairmen and other supporters.