The Rt. Hon. Bar. Dr. Simon B. Lalong: The making of a Quintessential Leader

Joseph Lengmang
Director General
PPBA

Part I.

Yesterday at the pre-inaugural dinner held in honor of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Laong, I paid a particular attention to His Excellency’s remarks on the lessons he learnt from the leadership styles of his predecessors.

From J.D. Gomwalk, Chief. S. D. Lar, S. B. Atukum, Fidelis Tapgun, Joshua Dariye and J.D. Jang, Lalong in his typical humorous fashion took us through an historical journey that not only provides a window into understanding his leadership style but offers deep insights on his persona, character and perhaps, how he would like to be remembered after leaving office in 2023.

But I am not ready to delve into this discourse just yet. This piece is about the beauty of today; the beautiful rainy day in which the inauguration of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong the duly re-elected governor of Plateau state will take the oath of office for his second term.

This three pact series is about him, our governor and perhaps, about us too.

As they say, some people are born great, some acquire greatness along life`s journey while others have greatness thrust upon their shoulders.

The second or third instance, perhaps, aptly captures the historical and political evolution of the governor of Plateau state, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

Born into a humble and relatively poor family background in a small village in Ajikamai, Shendam local government area of Plateau State, according to those familiar with his trajectory, Lalong exhibited sterling leadership qualities at a very early age.

His simple upbringing by a contented and God-fearing parent would later shape his philosophy of life which is anchored on hard-work, discipline, selflessness and above all, his signature virtue, -humility.

From his critical formative years to adulthood, his nag to carve a niche for himself gnawed him to daunt the odds and overcome the vicissitudes of life and thus earned the respect of his peers and society at large.

Against popular perception, Lalong was an excellent student who tops his class throughout his primary and secondary school days.

While growing up on the streets of Shendam, he masterfully blended his academic pursuits with sports. He was very popular within his local government and across neighboring LGA’s due to his highly entertaining and scintillating football skills.

His unassuming nature would naturally endear him into the hearts and minds of those who crosses his path.

At the completion of his secondary education in GSS Shendam, Lalong would proceed to study law at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Studying under very harsh social and economic conditions, he thrived both in the university and subsequently in law school.

Following a somewhat brief practice in the legal field, destiny would knock on his doors; his people wanted him to represent them at the Plateau State House of Assembly. Yet, this would be the second time his people would beckon on him for public service. After all, his character and leadership skills were tested earlier when he contested and won the position of the Goemai Youth Movement (GYM) some few years back.

His resounding victory at the polls in the 1999 state of assembly election was nothing but a reflection of the level of acceptability he enjoyed by a vast majority of his immediate constituents.

In his characteristic nature, Lalong did not only settle down to conduct his legislative duties but built a resounding working relationship based on mutual trust, respect and confidence with his esteemed colleagues.

His humility, interpersonal skills and team spirit earned both their friendship and respect so much that the mantle of leadership of the house fell on his shoulders when his predecessor, Rt. Hon. George Daika resigned as Speaker barely two years into office.

The Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong wasted no time in galvanizing the support of his colleagues to address a wide range of governance issues troubling the state and most importantly, the festering sectarian crisis that started on 7th September 2001.

The spate and intensity of the ethno-religious violence that greeted the return of democracy in Plateau state was unprecedented and therefore puts to test the ingenuity of a relatively new and inexperienced House of Assembly headed by the Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

He led the house to pass motions on the floor which were followed with actions to address the crisis as well as mitigate against the risk of a recurrence.

Under his leadership, the state house of assembly worked hand-in-gloves with the executive arm to tackle the growing conflict plaguing the state.

To his credit, some of the far-reaching decisions taken by the Dariye administration to manage or contain the outbreak and spread of violence were recorded under his leadership.

This experience is remarkable in the sense that it highlights his passion for Peace as well as prepared him for the somewhat daunting task that lies ahead. At no other time was his loyalty to the state ever put to test like in those troubling years.

In 2006, Lalong went through a baptism of fire as a result of governor Dariye’s brush with the Obasanjo administration. Despite the initial entreaties followed by threats and intimidation for him to cooperate in the removal of Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye through crass subterfuge, he refused to bulge.

He was staunchly opposed to the idea of circumventing the rule of law to feed any individual’s interest no matter how powerful. As the Speaker of the House, he stood firmly behind the unconstitutional impeachment saga of the former governor.

Not one to easily concede defeat, the Obasanjo administration connived with some elements in the state to plan, albeit unconstitutionally, his recall from the house of assembly.

To the chagrin of many, the recall would fail woefully and he emerged from the experience somewhat unscathed. He was re-elected into the house as member and subsequently, Speaker of the House of Assembly in 2003 respectively. He held that position for good six years-making him the longest speaker to have served in the Plateau state house of assembly.

Having served his term in the legislature without any blemish to his name, the Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong led a quiet life after leaving office in 2007. The quiet life would howecer be disrupted in 2014 when the hunt for successor to the immediate past governor of the state shifted to the Southern Senatorial district of Plateau state.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, unanimously voted him to be the standard bearer of the party in the gubernatorial elections of 2015. Propelled by the unsavory political developments that characterized that material time, Lalong mobilized and galvanized a movement against impunity; the calculated antics of a political demi-god determined to establish a political dynasty against the popular will was challenged and defeated.

Against all the odds, Lalong won the election and was sworn into office on 29th May 2015.

..to be cont..

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The Rt. Hon. Bar. Dr. Simon B. Lalong: The making of a Quintessential Leader