Plateau without minister for 7 months unfair — Lalong

Former governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, has criticised the delay in appointing a new minister from the state, urging President Bola Tinubu to address the issue promptly.

Speaking at an APC stakeholders meeting at the party’s secretariat in Kalwa House, Jos, Lalong, the senator representing Plateau South,  highlighted the state’s seven-month absence of federal representation since he resigned his ministerial post to join the Senate.

Lalong expressed discontent, saying, “It is unfair for Plateau to be without a minister for seven months. I have informed the president that constitutionally, we are entitled to a minister from our state. I am confident that the president, being a democrat, will address this when he returns. I urge party members to remain patient and supportive.”

Regarding the delay in swearing in APC members of the state assembly, Lalong accused the speaker of showing disrespect towards the constitution.

• 2027: We are working to bring Kwankwaso, Obi back into our fold – PDP
• Doyin Okupe: Why I dumped Obi for Tinubu

“It is unacceptable to require APC members to resign before being sworn in. In my political experience, I have never encountered such a requirement. The members are qualified and hold their certificates of return,” he said.

In his remark, the state party chairman, Rufus Bature echoed Lalong’s call for a ministerial appointment and addressed internal party issues.

Bature reported that party members have resolved their grievances and are focused on upcoming local government elections.

“We are prepared to clear the polls convincingly and are monitoring the activities of PLASIEC closely,” he said.

Bature criticised the PDP-led administration, accusing it of poor performance and failing to utilise federal allocations and internally generated revenue effectively.

“Despite receiving substantial funds, the PDP government has nothing to show but excuses. It is time for us to leverage this dissatisfaction and refocus our support for our party to restore our past glory,” he said.

He also claimed that the PDP administration is suppressing opposition voices and is hesitant to conduct fair local government elections.

He called on party members to “Harness the widespread dissatisfaction and work diligently to reclaim our political influence.”