In the resumption of his new role as Plateau South senator, Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, has officially resigned from his position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet. Lalong’s resignation follows his successful victory in the Plateau South Senatorial election and sets the stage for his imminent swearing-in later this week, reportedly to be conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, according to reliable sources.
The political journey for Lalong took a turn when, despite initially being declared the loser by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the February Presidential poll, the Court of Appeal ruled in his favor following a challenge to the result. A former two-term Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Lalong officially submitted his resignation after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, as reported by The Nation. Imran Muhammad, a presidential aide, confirmed President Tinubu’s acceptance of Lalong’s resignation and announced a valedictory session for the departing minister at the upcoming FEC meeting.
Sylvanus Namang, the APC spokesman in Plateau State, corroborated Lalong’s resignation from the FEC, marking the conclusion of his tenure in the president’s cabinet. Following the Court of Appeal’s directive to issue Lalong his Certificate of Return, the stage was set for discussions between the President, party leaders, and Lalong on his replacement in the FEC.
Party leaders, recognizing the significance of Lalong’s move to the Senate, lauded the development as a considerable boost for the APC, reinforcing its representation in the Senate. Additionally, Lalong’s departure averted the need for a supplementary senatorial election that would have followed his resignation. Given Lalong’s wealth of experience, having served as the Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker for two terms, he is perceived as a valuable addition, positioning him as a de facto ranking senator within the APC.
