Senator Simon Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, has urged the federal government to appoint a minister from Plateau State, citing the state’s eight-month absence from the Federal Executive Council.
At a Plateau State APC stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, Lalong described the situation as unfair, emphasizing the state’s constitutional right to a ministerial slot.
“It’s not fair that Plateau State has been without a minister for eight months,” Lalong said. “I’ve informed the President, and I believe he will address this issue upon his return, given his democratic and listening nature.”
Lalong also criticized the delayed swearing-in of APC members-elect, arguing that the Speaker of the House has a constitutional duty to swear them in upon presentation of their certificates of return and code of conduct.
He disputed the Speaker’s claim that swearing-in was discretionary, stating that this had no constitutional basis and was unprecedented in Nigerian history.
Lalong emphasized the need for justice, urging the Speaker and House members to swear in the remaining six members-elect.
The former governor’s remarks underscore the importance of Plateau State’s representation at the federal level and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
