As Simon Lalong takes over the helms of affairs of Plateau, several political analysts and opinion leaders have been dissecting his inauguration speech in order to glean critical insights into the type of government he’d be running.

Already, many predict that he’d face a herculean task, because of the time in which he is taking over – with workers on strike, capital projects yet to be completed, low subvention from FG because of low oil price, perpetual attack on villages by marauders and a very ethnically charged polity.

All these issues and more, may present very interesting dynamics which can test the character and mettle of the new governor. He’d do well, to gather a cabinet of strong technocrats who are able to navigate the very difficult tasks presented. If he simply picks a cabinet out of political compensation, it may be a terrible start to the government which several Plateau people expect a lot from.

PIC.16. NEW GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU, MR SIMON LALONG ACKNOWLEDGING
CHEERS FROM THE CROWD DURING HIS INAUGURATION IN JOS ON FRIDAY
(29/5/15).
2827/29/5/2015/SAA/NAN

For instance, workers have not been paid for 7 months and are therefore desperate for respite from his new government, that said, there is no guarantee of such respite, because the low oil price situation means that subvention is still insufficient to cover salary costs etc.  How he deals with that would be key to how people perceive him in the next coming months.

Our analyst predict that Lalong may be forced to take a a quick-fix loan or bond to help pay-off the entitlement of workers. Good as that is for workers etc, the strategy of taking a loan to settle workers areas could be a short term fix with longer term consequences because the interest payments on such can be quite colossal. Similar to what Plateau is witnessing now, where the interest payment of past loans leave very little in the state coffers, once subvention is received.

The new governor will need a strong economic team, experienced in the art of governance and not simply politicians who are being compensated because of their contributions to his election.

As he names his cabinet next week, all eyes will be fixed on the composition of the individuals and their portfolios. Once this cabinet is named, ViewPointNigeria shall bring you exclusive commentary and analysis about what that says about his intention, expectations and other sundry issues.

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One day into Lalong’s governorship, what shall we expect?