Former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, officially tendered his resignation from the position of Minister of Labour and Employment on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Simon Macham, Special Adviser on Media to Mr. Lalong, conveyed that the resignation letter was submitted by the former governor of Plateau State to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Mr. Lalong, in the formal resignation letter addressed to President Tinubu, announced his decision to assume the role representing Plateau South Senatorial District. This move follows the Court of Appeal’s decision, which, after undergoing rigorous legal scrutiny, affirmed him as the duly elected Senator for Plateau South Senatorial District. The court, in its directive, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly issue him the Certificate of Return.
Within the letter to the President on Tuesday, Minister Lalong underscored the significance of the Court of Appeal’s decision and the subsequent responsibilities it entailed. He emphasized the weight of his resignation, acknowledging the trust and confidence placed in him by the President during his tenure as Minister. Furthermore, he highlighted his role as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, citing its instrumental role in securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Lalong’s resignation signifies a substantial transition, as he prepares to represent the interests of the Plateau South Senatorial District in alignment with the mandate conferred upon him by the judicial process.
Simon Lalong resigns as minister
Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has officially tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enable him take his seat at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Senator Representing Plateau South… pic.twitter.com/gVjbete0Bo
— NTA News (@NTANewsNow) December 19, 2023
In addressing his decision to resign, Mr. Lalong emphasized the weightiness of the choice, considering the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as a minister in the cabinet. Having previously served as the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, a role instrumental in securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Lalong expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided within the cabinet.
“However, after extensive consultations with Your Excellency, critical stakeholders, and my constituents, it has become expedient for me to proceed and take my seat at the Red Chambers to continue to contribute to the Renewed Hope agenda of your Government and the growth of our democracy at large,” he added.
In a significant development, an Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, on November 7, 2023, declared Mr. Lalong the winner of the Plateau South Senatorial election. Following this legal affirmation, the minister was reported to be contemplating whether to maintain his position in President Tinubu’s cabinet or assume the role of a senator representing Plateau South.
It is noteworthy that Mr. Lalong’s decision to resign aligns with a precedent set in 2022, leading up to the general election, where ten ministers from the then Buhari administration left the cabinet to pursue their presidential aspirations. This departure was necessitated by legal constraints, as the law prohibits individuals from simultaneously serving as ministers while running for a presidential bid.
Amidst speculations, there are rumors suggesting that Mr. Lalong may recommend a successor for the position of the Minister of Employment and Labour to President Bola Tinubu. The appointment of a successor would be a consequential step in ensuring continuity and effective governance within the ministry.
