Shortly after his successful screening by the Senate on Friday 4th August, 2023, Ministerial nominee and former Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong received supporters, friends and jubilant family members who thronged his residence in Abuja to rejoice with him.
The guests who also included Plateau State indigenes and APC stakeholders told the Ministerial nominee that they have confidence in his capacity to deliver as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria considering his track record of performance and diligence.
In his remarks, APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe said the choice of Governor Simon Lalong as Minister is a perfect decision made by the President which validates his performance and records of achievement over the years.
He said the former Plateau Governor has established himself as the national political leader of the State through inclusive actions and wide networking with other politicians and leaders of thought across the country.
He said when he reclaims his mandate, he will ensure that he works closely the the former Governor to bring more Federal presence to Plateau.
Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda also congratulated the Ministerial nominee who he said has the capacity to not only deliver, but give the necessary leadership for the people of Plateau State at the National level.
Chairman House Committee on Navy and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi expressed optimism that Governor Lalong will excell in his new assignment and continue to pursue the overall interests of the people of Plateau State.
He appealed to the Ministerial nominee to reflect and use the new assignment to further build the APC family in Plateau State as the leader that is being looked upon.
Other speakers including the former Plateau Commisioner for Commerce Idris Gambo, former Commisioner for Water Resources Engr. Jaafaru Wuyep also thanked God for the another opportunity given to Governor Lalong to continue to serve the people.
In his response, Lalong appreciated them for their support, goodwill and prayers. He said the glory belongs to God who has given him an opportunity to again be recognized for service.
He once again expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for nominating him. Lalong also said the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the three Senators from Plateau State and many others deserve to be appreciated for the various roles they played.
Lalong said he will do his best to serve Nigeria with honesty, diligence and integrity as well as continue to represent the overall interest of Plateau State at all times.
He said the APC family in Plateau State has every reason to rejoice because of the hardwork and significant role it played for the victory of Tinubu/Shettima Ticket.
While assuring them that he will do his best in ensuring that those who worked will be adequately rewarded, Lalong prayed that Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda will reclaim his mandate in Plateau State and also ensure that the business of inclusive governance continues.
