President Bola Tinubu has officially accepted the resignation of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, according to a statement from the Presidency reported by The PUNCH on Monday.
The resignation comes as Lalong prepares to assume a new role as the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, a position secured following an appeal court ruling dated November 7, 2023.
While the exact timing of Lalong’s resignation is not explicitly stated, a presidential aide informed The PUNCH that it occurred after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The aide clarified, “Lalong has resigned. But it was not at the FEC meeting itself. It must have been after the meeting because, if it were earlier, the President or SGF would have announced it during the meeting.”
The former Governor of Plateau State is expected to be sworn in as Senator later in the week by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marking the beginning of his new political chapter.
Lalong, who served as the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation leading up to the February Presidential election, initially contested for the Senate office but faced defeat according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) results. Undeterred, he contested the outcome in court and emerged victorious at the Court of Appeal.
The resignation was reportedly tendered privately to President Tinubu after last Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House. The circumstances surrounding the decision remain undisclosed, but it is clear that Lalong is transitioning to a new phase in his political career.
Confirming the news on social media, a Twitter user identified as Imran Mohammad, associated with the President’s camp, stated, “President Tinubu, Accepted Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, Resignation from the cabinet, his valedictory will hold next FEC meeting.”
The acceptance of Lalong’s resignation underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political landscape and the fluidity of roles within the government. As Lalong embarks on his journey as a Senator, the political implications and ripple effects of this transition will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike. The upcoming valedictory during the next FEC meeting is poised to provide further insights into the reasons behind Lalong’s departure and shed light on the direction of President Tinubu’s administration.