Group lobby for replacement of Lalong as Minister
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
A political group, Kanam Progressive Youth (KPY) in Plateau has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the appointment of Prof. Saleh Muhammad Kanam (a lawyer) from Kanam local government of the State as Minister should Simon Lalong relinquished his position.
The group believed that having reclaimed his mandate in the Election Petition Tribunal and confirmed recently by the Court of Appeal as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau South, Lalong will definitely relinquish his position as Minister.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Wednesday, chairman of the group, Ali Abdullahi supported by the secretary Buhari Zakari, said that in the event Lalong relinquishes his position as minister, it will present an opportunity for the party to reward hard work, commitment and party loyalty by recommending a worthy replacement.
“We hereby present Prof. Saleh Muhammad Galadima Kanam who is abundantly and eminently qualified to fill in the vacancy and add value to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a worthy replacement of barrister Simon Lalong.
“Prof. S.M.G. Kanam is erudite professor of law who is adequately equipped with repertoire of knowledge, skills and experience to be a minister and members of the Federal Executive Council in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
“He is one of the APC’s finest in the state who has track record of excellence in service, doggedness, capacity and administrative acumen to deliver if given the opportunity as a minister. He is a detribalized Nigerian whose personality is synonymous to discipline, decorum, candour and stamina and a staunch supporter of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abdullahi added.
The KPY chairman also pointed out that Kanam’s pedigree in academics and contributions to the political struggle over the years cannot be hidden within Plateau political space, especially as he contested and won election into the office of Chairman of Kanam local government in 2008 to 2011 where his scorecard in office has earned him respect.
Abdullahi also said that Kanam as a member of Governing Board of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) from 2020 – 2023, his antecedent and foot prints are massive and highly commendable.
He added that Kanam was the Secretary of Plateau State APC Campaign Council that produced Lalong as governor in 2015 and 2019.
Although many people may be eyeing the same position, Abdullahi called on stakeholders and party stalwarts to reward his faithfulness, hardwork and loyalty to the party by recommending him to President Tinubu for appointment as Minister and member of the Federal Executive Council.
The group also said it won’t be out of place if the baton of leadership eventually changes hands soon in the state, following the eminent Supreme Court case and Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as Governor, Kanam should be considered from the same zone as being the norm in Plateau.
