Lalong in dilemma over ministerial, senatorial positions

The Minister of Labour and Employment and former governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, said he is yet to decide on whether or not he will quit his position as a minister following the appeal court’s judgement, which declared him as the winner of the Plateau South senatorial election. The appellate court sacked Napoleon […]

The Minister of Labour and Employment and former governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, said he is yet to decide on whether or not he will quit his position as a minister following the appeal court’s judgement, which declared him as the winner of the Plateau South senatorial election.

The appellate court sacked Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 148,844 votes on the ground that the party did not have a proper structure and, therefore, could not file candidates for the election.

Lalong of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 91,674 to emerge as the runner-up in the election. He said he was still consulting his constituents on whether he would choose to remain as a minister or go for the senatorial seat.

The minister’s media aide, Dr Makut Simon Macham, said this while responding on which of the positions the former Plateau governor will choose after the Appeal Court judgement.

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Macham said, “The Minister of Labour and Employment and former governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, gives God all the glory for this affirmation as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District.

“He dedicates this victory to the entire people of the district and renews his commitment to national service. He is widely consulting on the mandate and will make known his decision at the appropriate time, “the media adviser added. Meanwhile, the state chapter of APC, said if Lalong remained as minister, the party was confident of winning another fresh election of the Plateau South senatorial district.

Sylvanus Namang, who is the State Publicity Secretary of the party, said APC was not afraid of fresh elections in Plateau South.