THE LALONG ENIGMA
By Jonathan Ishaku
Be careful how you judge people. 2015: The Rt. Hon. Simon B. Lalong, a former state legislator rose from an underdog candidate to be a winner in the gubernatorial polls. 2019: Written off because he was competing against a candidate who was a military Governor when he was only a pre-university student at SPS Keffi he won again! 2021: from an orchestrated campaign as under-performer (or so rated by a local radio station) among Southern Plateau politicians he transmuted within weeks to one of the greatest achievers for attracting Federal development projects to the zone!!
Lalong appears to be an enigma. The more he is villifed the more he seems to excel. From his biographical background, from youth, he appears to always exceed people’s modest expectation of him. Yes, he became a state legislator but who ever thought he would be the longest occupier of the seat in the state or even voted twice as Chairman, Nigerian Conference of Speakers by his colleagues from all the 36 States of the federation.
I thought his life history should inspire our youths with similar humble background and the enduring belief that with with God’s help one could excel notwithstanding and to begin to emulate his example. Rather I see some being recruited into a patently destructive path of mindless hate! Some through narrow party partisanship while many others by way of unbridled tribal sentiments.
I will say that under the democratic dispensation in Plateau State other past governors have made their marks in the state leveraging on their various individual strengths and opportunities. I count it a blessing that I have been privileged to serve in the two previous democratic administrations of their excellencies, Gov. Joshua Dariye and Gov. Jonah Jang so I have some knowledge of their inner workings.
My point here is to appeal for moderation in the manner of correcting our leaders. I’m concerned because I see a lot of venom spewing from our young people on social media when commenting on political matters.. I believe that the hate building up within our community is not only detestable but ominous to our future as a peaceful society.
I have been a government critic most of my career life (don’t forget the early days when we had to confront military governments) and I know my views are still subject of discomfort in some circles. I believe therefore that criticism is a healthy habit in a society. However, I believe such should be constructive, healthy and hate-free. Partisanship may be unavoidable but it should be reasonably objective and constructive .
My fellow compatriots, we don’t know what more goodies Plateau State will win through Gov. Lalong’s style, so we should give him the support. Where we think he’s crossing the red line we can sound the alarm but this mindless hate mongering must stop please.
In matters of gubernatorial legacies, as some people lately seem concerned, always let posterity be the judge!!
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