My eight-year record intact, open for scrutiny — Ex-gov Lalong

Amidst criticisms of his tenure as Governor of Plateau State in some quarters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, has declared that the records of his eight years of administration are intact for people to see, despite the propaganda aimed at suppressing the performance of his administration.

The former governor pointed out that many have attempted to rewrite history by desperately trying to misinform the public about the achievements recorded by his administration, adding that the performances and activities under his watch were reported and documented and can still be accessed by any independent reviewer.

Speaking at the 2024 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Senator Lalong highlighted that while his administration does not claim to have done everything or acted perfectly at all times, those served in the government can confidently beat their chests to say that they served the people of Plateau with honesty, integrity, and accountability.

“Unfortunately, many have attempted to rewrite history by desperately trying to inform the public about our achievements. Fortunately, our records are intact for people to see, despite the propaganda aimed at suppressing our performance. I am glad that many of you reported and documented our activities and achievements accurately, which can still be accessed by any independent reviewer today.

“While we do not claim to have done everything or acted perfectly at all times, we can confidently beat our chests to say that we served the people of Plateau with honesty, integrity, and accountability.

“I am sure that at the right time, you as journalists and indeed the people of Plateau State will compare and contrast our records with our successors and draw conclusions considering the wide disparity in the funds that currently accrue to the state after the removal of subsidies. Plateau State today gets almost three times what our administration used to get monthly,” he said.

On the forthcoming local government election in the state, Lalong confirmed the readiness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to participate in the election and called on the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to conduct a free and fair election.

He described the longed-for delayed inauguration of House of Assembly members as an affront to democracy and called on the members to come together and work for the interest of the people of Plateau State.

“This is not the forum to tell you what we did behind the scenes to ensure that a clear court judgement and rule of law are obeyed. As a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, I am ashamed of what happened and pray that Plateau State will never witness this type of affront to democracy again.”

Senator Lalong, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions and also the Senator representing Plateau South, dispelled the insinuation that the members might impeach the governor, adding that the members are not there to threaten the governor with impeachment but to work for the progress of the state.

He therefore advised those pushing the narrative to desist from overheating the polity and further assured that a minister to represent Plateau State in the Federal Executive Council will soon be appointed by Mr. President.

Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ashoms, said the government will continue to support the NUJ as it works to fulfil its mandate to the people.

NUJ Chairman, Plateau State, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo said the NUJ has continued to pursue professionalism by ensuring that citizens know the happenings in society as well as holding the government accountable.

She said the awardees, included the former Plateau Governor, Senator Simon Lalong who has done a lot for the growth of the profession and the wellbeing of its members.

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