All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders under the aegis of the North Central APC Forum have again appealed to the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to appoint the director-general of his presidential campaign, governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
They said appointing Lalong as the SGF will also ensure equity and fairness in the incoming administration by ensuring that all sides will be motivated.
Speaking on behalf of the forum in Jos the Plateau State capital after their emergency meeting the chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said Governor Lalong has done a lot for the APC, the North, and as the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
He said, “Governor Simon Lalong has sacrificed a lot for APC, the North, the nation at large and good governance in the country. He is a man of peace, an achiever and a detribalised leader. Another interesting thing about him is his role in the APC presidential activities.
“Our forum and other groups and prominent individuals canvassed for him to be considered for the presidency as the North Central with all its contribution to the democratic entrenchment and growth in the country has not gotten that opportunity for decades now. Our push for him didn’t succeed and we began canvassing for him as running mate to the president since the south was agreed upon eventually.
“Yet Lalong was not considered, but he still remained faithful to the party and kept working for its success. Even when he was appointed the Director General of the APC presidential campaign council, many of us frowned against it since he was not considered for the presidential flag bearer or the running mate, and that he should decline the position.
“Even some brought the issue of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Tinubu and Shettima and made efforts to discourage Lalong from associating with the candidacy.
“But he calmed us all down and always maintained that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket was not a bad one too, and that they are equally competent and can deliver. Again, he said politics should always be based on competency and not ethno-religious consideration.
“And he then worked sincerely and dedicatedly for the success of the party at the polls. Lalong always believed in party supremacy and the growth of the nation.
“So, for all the efforts Lalong has put in and more, he deserves the position of the SGF. Not that he merely deserves it, but he is competent and will bring in his initiative, quality and leadership capacity to support the administration, advance their cause and move the nation forward.”
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