The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has expressed delight after the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal in Jos, Plateau State declared the winner of the Plateau South senatorial district.

This comes after a tribunal on Monday, September 11 upturned the victory of Napoleon Bali, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party over invalid nomination.

Lalong in a post on his X handle (formerly called Twitter) said he cannot contain his joy over the development.

Chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Mahmoud Tukur who declared the judgement, stated that the votes scored by the PDP candidate, in the February 25 election were wasted, stating that as of the time of the nomination, the PDP had no valid structure in the state, reports Daily Post.

The recently inaugurated Minister extended his appreciation to the tribunal, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and his supporters for their dedication.

The statement reads, “I can’t contain my joy after the recent victory at the Senatorial Election Petition tribunal here in Jos.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to God and the incredible people of Plateau South Senatorial District for their unwavering support. It is a Monday I’ll never forget.

“I was in Abuja, presiding over an official function at the Ministry of Labour and Employment when I received the news of the tribunal’s decision.

“The ruling nullifying my opponent’s earlier declaration and declaring me the rightful winner filled me with immense satisfaction.

“To me, this victory signifies a triumph for democracy and justice. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the tribunal members for their meticulous examination of our arguments and the presentations made by my party, the APC.

“Their dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency has not gone unnoticed.

“I must also commend my loyal supporters and the dedicated members of the APC in Plateau State. Throughout this process, they remained steadfast and displayed remarkable calmness while awaiting the tribunal’s verdict.

“Their unwavering support has been a source of strength for me. As we celebrate this victory, I urge everyone to maintain peace and unity. Even if my opponent decides to exercise his constitutionally guaranteed right to appeal the judgement, let us continue to uphold the values of democracy and respect for the rule of law.”

It is currently not clear If the minister would resign his position to join the lawmakers at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

The post on his X platform has generated some reactions on social media. Check them out below

So you are both a senator and a Minister? They will be paying you as minister and as senator? I think you should resign one position.

— Manji1 Of Mupun (@Manji1oflankan) September 11, 2023

Congratulations Sir, But honestly speaking sir, we the people of bukuru we are not happy the way you treated us. no any development work u did to us for the 8 years u spent as govnor of plateau state.

— Hon Umar Musa Abdullahi (@umusa179) September 11, 2023

We know we didn't vote for you,court cannot make u our senator by the grace of God, double standard in their judgements cannot stand.

— son of de soil (@blunt365) September 11, 2023

Congratulations Sir.
I hope we will find another credible one to fill the vacant position you will be leaving.

— Adamson Of Lagos (@AdamsonNasir) September 11, 2023