Lalong, Deputy, House of Assembly Members-Elect Receives Certificates of Return

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Plateau State Governor who is also the Governor-elect, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, his deputy, Prof Sonni Tyoden and 23 Plateau State House of Assembly members-elect received their certificates of return today, Friday in Jos, Plateau state capital.

The certificates were presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, through its National Commissioner supervising Abuja, Kaduna, Niger and Plateau state, Prof Antonia Okoosi-Simbine.

While given his speech, the Governor-elect, Simon Lalong, thanked Plateau electorates for giving him a second term to serve the state as governor.

He assured that his administration shall consolidate on the achievements, and that every citizen will be carried along in the incoming administration.

“Now that politicking, campaigns and elections are over, let me assure you that our resolve to build on our past achievements of peaceful coexistence is non-negotiable.

“I therefore extend my hands of fellowship and urge everyone to share in this glory and the patriotic zeal of building a strong and productive Plateau state for generations to come.”

He further explained that, “the electorates have once again reposed greater confidence on us and placed the future of Plateau state in our hands to deliver on our promises.”

In his address, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner supervising Abuja, Kaduna, Niger and Plateau state, Prof Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, who presented certificates of return to the governor-elect, his deputy, and 23 State House of Assembly members-elect urged them to fulfill campaign promises made to citizens during electioneering campaigns.

“I encourage you (Simon Lalong) to deliver more material benefits to your people in order to meet their aspiration.”

The INEC boss commended Plateau state electorates for the peaceful conduct during all the elections. He however urged all candidates and political parties who are not satisfied with the results of the elections to seek legal means to address their issues.

“The Commission (INEC) advises disgruntled persons and parties to feel free to seek judicial remedy where they believe they have genuine case(s) to pursue.”

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Plateau state, Mallam Hussaini Halilu Pai, in a speech commended all stakeholders for ensuring the success of the entire process.”

Pai paid tributes to late Ezekiel Afon, member-elect who died shortly after he was pronounced winner of the Pengana state constituency elections.

“It is unfortunate that one of you Mr. Ezekiel Afon could not make it because he died shortly after he was declared as the winner of the Pengana state assembly constituency elections, may his soul rest in Peace.”

Mallam Pai congratulated all those who were issued certificates of return, as a testimony in concluding the electoral process for 2019 general elections.

While addressing the media after the event, the elated Lalong promised to run an all inconclusive government that can accommodate the opposition parties for more effective governance which will transform Plateau State to an enviable position.

The programme which was held under tight security saw the busy Jos-Abuja road locked down thereby causing traffic gridlock along the road.