The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has described his affirmation as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau South by the Court of Appeal as the will of God, a victory for democracy and a joyous development.
This, Lalong said called for unity and cohesion towards improving the lives of the people.
The minister, who received the news of his victory Geneva Switzerland where he is currently attending the 349th Session of the Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation, said the unanimous decision of the judges who heard the appeal over his earlier declaration by the tribunal showed that the judgment was in tandem with the rule of law and democratic tenets.
Lalong’s Special Adviser on Media, Simon Makut, said this in a statement on Tuesday shortly after he was declared the winner of the election.
While ascribing the victory to God and the people of Plateau South Senatorial District, the former Plateau State governor said the judgment affirmed the support and cooperation he has enjoyed among the electorate who have supported him since he first contested elections in 1999 till date.
He said,
“This victory is not only for me or the APC but a victory for all lovers of democracy, peace and unity irrespective of party, religious, political and ethnic affiliations. We have to focus on the work ahead which requires meeting the needs of our people, particularly at the grassroots and ensuring that they get the dividends of democracy in good measure.”
Lalong also called on his opponent, Napoleon Bali, and all stakeholders to join hands with him in building the lives of the citizens within the zone and the nation at large, promising to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is experienced, touched and felt by the people through projects, programmes and in other Federal and state government initiatives.
He also commended the judiciary for remaining resolute and maintaining its integrity despite attempts to denigrate and intimidate it.
The minister also congratulated other candidates who were declared validly elected and urged them to be magnanimous in victory and consider that there is no victor nor vanquished even as they rededicate themselves to working for a greater Plateau State and Nigeria.
