• Lalong urges focus on delivering dividends of democracy
David Arin, Plateau State
DAILY COURIER - In a significant political development in Plateau State, the last five members of the Plateau State House of Assembly have been inaugurated, marking the completion of the 24-member legislative body after months of legal and political delays. The swearing-in ceremony, held in line with the Court of Appeal's judgement, brought the prolonged impasse to a close, enabling the House to fully commence legislative work.
Senator Simon Bako Lalong, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State and representative of Plateau South Senatorial District, congratulated the newly sworn-in legislators for their resilience, patience, and adherence to the rule of law. The five members had faced months of delay in taking their oaths of office, a situation Lalong attributed to the actions of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Dewan, which had drawn widespread condemnation for undermining democracy.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, Lalong emphasized the importance of moving past the political intrigues that had stalled the House’s operations for nearly eight months. He urged all members to settle down and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State.
“I commend the resilience and patience of the newly inaugurated members, who chose to follow the rule of law rather than taking matters into their own hands,” Lalong stated. “It is unfortunate that they are only coming on board now, but what matters is that the full complement of the House of Assembly is now in place. I urge you all to now focus on your legislative duties and deliver the quality representation that Plateau citizens deserve.”
**Unity and Legislative Business**
Lalong, a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and two-term Governor of the state, used the occasion to dispel rumors of potential political strife within the House. He specifically addressed speculation that the swearing-in of the remaining legislators could lead to an impeachment plot against the Governor. The Senator dismissed these claims as baseless propaganda, urging the members to prioritize governance over political machinations.
“Let us put politics behind us,” Lalong said. “The people of Plateau State expect this House to work for their benefit. The notion that this inauguration could lead to impeachment is unfounded and callous. It is time for all of us to focus on governance and delivering results for the people.”
The Senator also used the platform to express gratitude to key political figures who had supported the process of restoring normalcy to the Plateau House of Assembly. Among those acknowledged were President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Lalong thanked these leaders, along with members of the National Assembly from Plateau State and the APC State Exco, for their support in condemning the Speaker’s earlier actions, which he said posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He credited their interventions with helping to resolve the impasse peacefully.
**A Call for Democratic Maturity**
As Plateau’s lawmakers settle into their roles, Senator Lalong emphasized the importance of democratic maturity and accountability. He urged the legislators to prioritize the needs of their constituents and avoid unnecessary distractions, stating that their responsibility was to uphold the trust placed in them by the people of Plateau.
“The time for politicking is over,” Lalong reiterated. “Now is the time for governance, and I trust that the Plateau State House of Assembly will rise to the occasion. Your constituents are watching, and they expect nothing less than your full commitment to their welfare.”
With the Assembly now fully constituted, attention shifts to the legislative agenda, as the House is expected to tackle key issues affecting Plateau State, including security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The newly inaugurated members, who had been delayed in taking office due to legal disputes, expressed their gratitude to Senator Lalong and other APC leaders for their unwavering support throughout the protracted process. They pledged to serve their constituencies with integrity and to work collaboratively with their colleagues to advance the state’s development.
As the Plateau State House of Assembly resumes its legislative duties with a complete roster of 24 members, the focus now turns to fulfilling campaign promises and delivering on the mandate of improving the lives of the people of Plateau State.
