SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR.) SIMON BAKO LALONG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AND GOVERNOR-ELECT AT THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURN BY THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC). FRIDAY 29TH MARCH 2019.

PROTOCOL.

Today marks another milestone in our political and democratic journey as a people, with the presentation of Certificate of Return to my humble self and the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni G. Tyoden. This symbolic occasion that just marked our confirmed status following the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of our overwhelming electoral victory at the just concluded General Elections of Saturday 9th March 2019 and Re-run polls of Saturday 23rd March 2019.

On behalf of my Deputy, I sincerely thank the Electoral Umpire, INEC, particularly the Chairman, the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the entire team of diligent officials for the conduct of a free, fair and credible elections in the State and nation-wide. The peaceful and calm disposition, which the Citizens displayed up to the conclusion of the exercise is highly appreciated and commendable.

We also remain very grateful to the leadership and State Working Committee of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the security agencies, the Director-General and Members of the Gubernatorial Campaign Organization, the Electorate, numerous support groups and the general public for their massive support and believe in our capacity to lead and deliver on the dividends of democracy.

Few days ago, in a short State-Wide Broadcast, I whole-heartedly accepted this mandate to serve for a second and final term. This is even most auspicious because, by implication, the Electorate have once again reposed greater confidence in us and placed the future of Plateau state in our hands to deliver on our promises. I equally solicited your usual cooperation and partnership as we strive to serve with all humility in moving to the next level. Moving to the Next Level in the light of re-jigging the governance system by providing vision, direction and accountability in leadership for greater productivity.

Fellow citizens, now that politicking, campaigns and elections are over, let me assure you that our resolve to build on our past achievements of peaceful co-existence is non-negotiable. To achieve these ideals, we shall continue to strengthen both institutional and legal framework; just as we will reward loyalty, excellence and hard work in the public and private sectors.

We are conscious of the beauty of history that requires us to leave behind a lasting legacy that others will build on. All hands must be on deck in the next four years, so that together, we will do more. I therefore extend my hands of friendship and urge everyone to share in this glory and the patriotic zeal of building a strong and productive Plateau State for generations to come.

Finally, as I look forward to addressing the State at our inauguration on 29th May 2019, I once more thank you immensely for the confidence reposed on us and we promise to serve more diligently at the Next Level.

Long Live, All Progressives Congress.
Long Live Plateau State.
Long Live, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) SIMON BAKO LALONG
Executive Governor and Governor-Elect
Plateau State.

Friday 29th March 2019.

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Gov. Lalong’s Speech at the Presentation of Certificate of Return