Former Governor of Plateau State and current Senator representing Plateau South, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, has expressed concern over the absence of a representative from Plateau State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) seven months after his resignation as Minister.
Sen. Lalong, who also leads the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, voiced his concerns during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the Party Secretariat in Jos.
During his address, Lalong underscored the importance of ensuring Plateau State’s representation in the federal cabinet, emphasizing that it was unfair for the state to be left without a minister for such a prolonged period. “We must remain steadfast in our Party to support our President. If he fails today, we have failed. But if he succeeds, we have succeeded. All of us are concerned that it is not fair that Plateau State will remain for seven months without a Minister. I’ve communicated that to even Mr. President that it is not fair,” Lalong stated, expressing confidence that President Tinubu would address the issue.
The Senator also addressed the ongoing stalemate in the Plateau State House of Assembly, where six APC members have yet to be sworn in despite winning their appeals in court. He urged the Assembly to inaugurate the legislators without further delay, stressing that as a former Speaker and Governor, he understands the legislative process and the importance of following due procedure.
“There is nothing I have not done. We are all legislators. I was a Speaker; I was a Governor. It is the Speaker who inaugurates Members. Each time we go, they will say, it is your House of Assembly. Now, which House of Assembly do we have?” Lalong questioned, urging the Assembly to act swiftly.
Furthermore, Lalong called on the State Assembly to reinstate the suspended local government chairmen across the state’s 17 LGAs. He pointed out that the chairmen were removed through a resolution by the Assembly, and it is within their power to reverse that decision. “We want the House of Assembly to return our chairmen to their seats,” Lalong stressed.
APC State Chairman Rufus Bature also reiterated the party’s call for the appointment of a Minister from Plateau State during the meeting. He emphasized that more appointments from the state would bolster support for the APC. However, Bature also highlighted a major challenge facing the party leadership: the lack of funds to effectively carry out their duties.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges within Plateau State’s political landscape, with party leaders urging unity and decisive action to ensure fair representation and governance at both the state and federal levels.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NGR
