Senate screens former Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong for Minister

From Tongnaan Bawa,  Jos

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has screened Ministerial nominee, former Governor of Plateau State and former Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

In a statement signed by his media aid, Makut Macham, disclosed that when Lalong, appeared for the screening at the Red Chambers, he received special recognition by the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio for his service to the nation in many capacities including being the DG of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council where he worked hard to ensure the victory of the APC at the polls.

After being given an opportunity to give a brief about his background and his experience, Lalong said he was privileged and honoured to be nominated by President Bola Tinubu out of millions of Nigerians eminently qualified.

He touched on his professional career as a lawyer and politician where he said he served for two terms as member of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Two term Speaker; Two term Governor; Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Lalong said as one time Chairman of the Conference of Speakers/Chairman of the Conference of former Speakers of State Assemblies, he was glad that many of his colleagues are at the Senate and serving the nation with diligence.

When the Senate President Godswill Akpabio opened the floor for Senators to ask questions, the Ministerial nominee received unanimous endorsement from all the three Senators of Plateau State.

Minority leader of the Senate, Simon Mwadkon (Plateau North), Senator Napoleon Bali (Plateau South), Senator Diket Plang (Plateau South) all said they were happy with the nomination of Governor Lalong whom they said was a suitable choice and has vast experience to deliver.

While responding to the question on security raised by Senator Bali, Lalong said the security situation in Nigeria requires a wholistic approach of kinetic and non kinetic actions.

He said the Renewed Hope Mandate of President Tinubu captures a detailed plan to make sure insecurity is tackled in the nation.

Lalong also recalled how as Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he managed insecurity in Plateau State and within the Northern region with his colleagues.

Thereafter, the Senate President asked him to take a bow and leave the floor of the Senate.