Tinubu’s ministerial nominee: Profile of Simon Bako Lalong (CON)

Simon Bako Lalong CON is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023. Born on May 5, 1963, he has had a successful career in both the legal profession and the political arena.

Education: Simon Bako Lalong completed his elementary and secondary education in Shendam Local Government Area. He pursued further studies at the School of Preliminary Studies (S.P.S) Keffi, graduating in 1986. He then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law in 1990. Following this, he attended the Law School in Lagos and was called to the Bar. To further enhance his legal knowledge, he earned a master’s degree in Law from the University of Jos in 1996.

Professional Career: Lalong’s legal career began in 1992, and he practiced as an attorney until 1998. During this period, he co-owned a law firm and served as the Deputy Scribe of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State from 1992 to 1994. He later returned to legal practice as the Principal Partner of Simon B Lalong and Co until 2015.

Political Life: In 1998, Simon Bako Lalong ventured into politics and represented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to contest his native Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly. In October 2000, he was appointed as the Speaker of the Assembly, holding this position until 2006. He became the longest-serving speaker in the history of Plateau State during his seven-year tenure. Moreover, he was elected twice (2001-2002) as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria.

In 2015, Lalong contested for the governorship position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected as the Governor of Plateau State. He was re-elected in the 2019 Plateau gubernatorial election, securing victory in the March 23, 2019 supplementary election. He served as the governor until 2023.

Awards and Recognition: In October 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the prestigious Nigerian national honour of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) on Simon Bako Lalong, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the nation.

Simon Bako Lalong’s career and achievements demonstrate his commitment to public service and dedication to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.