His Special Adviser on Media, Dr Simon Macham, said in a statement on Tuesday that the former governor of Plateau State submitted his letter of resignation to Tinubu in Abuja.
Macham said while submitting his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the minister reminded Tinubu that after exhaustive legal processes, the Court of Appeal declared him as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau South and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue him a Certificate of Return.
“Lalong said the decision for his resignation was not made lightly because of the trust and confidence that President Bola Tinubu placed in him as a minister in his cabinet, having served as the Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, which delivered victory for the APC,” the statement read.
The statement further quoted the former governor as telling Tinubu that after extensive consultations with critical stakeholders and his constituents, it becomes expedient for him to proceed and take his seat at the Red Chamber to continue to contribute to the Renewed Hope agenda of his government and the growth of democracy at large.
“Lalong expressed deep gratitude to Mr. President for the honour and privilege of serving in his cabinet and for the personal support and guidance he gave him during his assignment as minister.
“The outgoing minister promised that while at the Senate, he will continue to give Mr President his loyalty, support and cooperation towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the APC in the relentless pursuit of a stronger, united and more prosperous Nigeria.
“The Senator-elect was at the National Assembly to submit his Certificate of Return and relevant documents to the Clerk of the Senate. He met with the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the Senator representing Plateau Central District, Diket Plang, and some Senators.
“The outgoing minister will be sworn in as Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District on Wednesday December 20, 2023.”