The appointment of Barr. Simon Lalong as Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Process is a bittersweet development for Plateau State. While it would typically be a cause for celebration, many are expressing concerns about the implications of this appointment.
Barr. Lalong’s track record raises questions about his suitability for this critical role. His tenure as Governor of Plateau State was marked by controversy and underwhelming performance, with many legacy projects abandoned. His stint as Minister of Labour was also cut short.
The appointment’s potential impact on the electoral process and INEC’s integrity is a pressing concern. With Barr. Lalong’s own Senate seat reportedly obtained through questionable means, his ability to contribute meaningfully to electoral reform is doubtful.
In fact, it is an embarrassment for the leadership of the Nigerian Senate and the Nigerian Democracy to consider a man like Lalong who was defeated with over 57 thousand Votes as a Marging for such a position.
Plateau State’s experience with Barr. Lalong’s leadership has been largely negative. Instead of leveraging his position to benefit the state, his actions have raised questions about the value of such opportunities.
In contrast, past leaders from Plateau State, such as Baba Bagudu Hirse, Late JT Useni, and Distinguished Senator Nasiru Mantu, utilized their positions to benefit the state and its people. Their legacies serve as a reminder of what could have been achieved with Barr. Lalong’s appointment.
Of course, we cannot underestimate Barr. Simon Lalong’s intelligence when it comes to shrewd, uncouth, dirty talk, questionable tendencies, and betrayal. As a Plateau man, I feel deeply pained and embarrassed, just like many others, that Lalong had many opportunities to provide good leadership and write his name in gold but wasted them for his parochial interests, thereby betraying the people of Plateau State.
However, there is a sigh of relief as the two years of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration have made significant progress in writing off the wrongs of Lalong and putting Plateau on the global map through provision of infrastructural development and genuine leadership across the 17 local government areas of the state, which has restored hope for citizens who had lost hope long ago due to Lalong’s misdeeds.
Despite all these efforts by Governor Mutfwang, there seems to be a gang up against him to distract him, but the people of Plateau are wiser and they love their governor, they are solemnly behind him in prayers and action.
As a proud Plateau Son who is passionate about the progress and development of the State, I am calling on all plateau citizens home and abroad, irrespective of ethnicity or faith to sustain our support and rally round this governor who is championing our course and interest.
The perception surrounding this appointment portends danger to Nigerian democracy, the electoral process, and INEC’s credibility.
Many are still wondering how a man with misplaced priorities and a proven track record of public betrayal like Barr. Lalong be given such a responsibility.
I join the chorus of voices calling on the international community to scrutinize Barr. Simon Lalong’s actions, given his history of being used to further negative agendas. His track record of misplaced priorities and public betrayal warrants close attention, and it’s essential that his efforts be held to account.
As the Senate committee’s work begins, many will be watching closely to see if Barr. Lalong can rise above his past controversies and contribute positively to Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Written By Gaius Joshua
