Former Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong made a significant return to Jos as he attended a critical stakeholders meeting of the APC in the State. It was his first visit since leaving office as Governor.
Lalong, who holds the position of APC leader in Plateau State, arrived at Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang accompanied by Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC Gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State, former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase, Members of the National Assembly, and other senior party members.
Upon their arrival, a large crowd of party faithful and supporters gathered at the APC Secretariat, Kalwa House Jos to catch a glimpse of the former Governor, whom they had not seen in over a month.
Addressing the stakeholders, Governor Lalong expressed his delight at being back home and meeting with various members of the party with whom he had served for the past 8 years. He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who commended the Plateau APC family for their efforts in securing the victory of the Tinubu/Shettima Ticket in the last general elections despite the tough competition.
Lalong assured party members that the President is committed to inclusivity and will ensure the fulfillment of the people’s aspirations through various programs and transformative projects. He also promised that party members would be duly rewarded for their sacrifices in the party’s success.
Regarding the setbacks experienced during the last elections in the state, Lalong conveyed his optimism about reclaiming the party’s mandate through ongoing tribunal cases. He urged party members to remain resolute and united while awaiting the tribunal’s verdict, as the APC has strong grounds to regain its mandate.
The former Governor challenged APC members to prioritize the party’s interests above personal considerations, emphasizing that the party’s success is vital for the achievement of any individual’s ambition or aspiration.
Addressing recent developments in the state, Lalong called on citizens to support the current government in tackling the security challenges that have resurfaced since the exit of the APC Government. He stressed that peace and security require collective efforts, urging everyone to maintain peace while awaiting the court’s verdict on the matter.
APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature welcomed the stakeholders to the meeting, stating that its purpose was to address matters arising since the last elections and remind party members of the work ahead.
Bature expressed satisfaction with the role played by many members in securing the party’s success in the face of challenges. He reiterated the party’s commitment to reclaiming its mandate, which was allegedly stolen through rigging and propaganda.
The Chairman expressed dismay over the conduct of certain party members who worked against the party’s interests but now pretend to be leaders, seeking appointments. Bature assured that such issues would be addressed as the party has mechanisms in place to reward loyalty and discourage disloyalty.
Bature also commended former Governor Simon Lalong for his calmness and quality leadership in the face of efforts by a few individuals to disrupt the party.
Following the meeting, a closed-door session took place, resulting in the issuance of a communique to outline the key outcomes and decisions reached.
