Plateau state Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated and described the conferment of national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON on governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR as well-deserved.


A statement issued on behalf of the party by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Sylvanus Namang noted that the party is undoubtedly not surprised over the recognition and appreciation accorded to governor Lalong by the Federal government.

He noted that looking at governor Lalong’s political trajectory and service to the country, the national honour bestowed on him is timeous and meritorious.

Namang stated that the governor has risen from a private legal practitioner, state legislator, the longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, a two-term governor and currently Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and now the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, are no mean achievements and service to the country which deserve recognition by all and sundry.

He stated that the APC is elated and proud of Governor Lalong over the honour and recognition by the Federal government.

The APC State Publicity Secretary also congratulated the ten other Plateau state indigenes who were given various national awards by the Federal government.

These include His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives who was also awarded CON, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban Mensem, Chief Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos, CFR.

Others are Professor Sabestian Seddi Maimako, former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos and Director General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council Plateau State, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Professor Mary Lar, a formost educationist and wife of the former Civilian Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, OON, Ambassador, James Dimka, a veteran Journalist and former Ambassador to Liberia, OON, and Professor Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni, former Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, OON.

Also benefitting from the National Award are Mallam Yakubu Ibn Muhammad, Director General of NTA, who though from Taraba state was born and brought up in Jos, OON and Jummai Kizito Gukas from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation bagged the Federal Republic Medal.

He described all the awardees as true ambassadors of Plateau State which the state is really proud of.
Namang pointed out that it is expected that Plateau state in particular and the country at large, will continue to drink from their fountain of wisdom, knowledge and distinguished service for the benefit of the present and future generations.

He applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government for giving honour to whom honour is due with the hope that the gesture would continue to spur other Nigerians into putting their best in their service to the country.