Akpabio Swears Lalong In, Declares Umahi, Giadam Seats Vacant
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, officiated the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed senator, Simon Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District. Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State and member of the All Progressives Congress, assumed the role after the Court of Appeal nullified the election of Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party on November 7, 2023.
Following the court’s decision, Lalong formally resigned from his position as the Minister of Labour Employment and Productivity on Tuesday to transition to his new role in the Senate.
On Wednesday, at approximately 11.57 am, he took the oath of office on the Senate floor, with Senate President Akpabio extending congratulations.In his inaugural address, Senator Lalong revealed that his aspiration to become a senator was his primary choice after concluding his tenure as governor in May 2023.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and assured his commitment to serving the electorate diligently.Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, described Lalong’s inauguration as a moment of happiness for the party.
Ganduje emphasized the expectation of good legislation from the majority APC, working towards the prosperity of all Nigerians.In a related development, Senate President Akpabio declared the senatorial seats for Ebonyi-South and Yobe East vacant on Wednesday. Former governor Dave Umahi and Ibrahim Giadam had vacated these seats to join President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as Ministers of Works and Police Affairs, respectively.
Akpabio invoked Section 68 (1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the vacancies and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to initiate the by-election process to fill the two vacant seats. The move aligns with constitutional provisions, ensuring the representation of these constituencies in the Senate.Credit Punch News