The Abuja Chapter of the Gamai Unity and Development Organization (GUDO) has praised immediate past Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong for serving with diligence, competence and integrity and leaving the State better than he met it.
Leading a delegation of officials and elders on a courtesy visit to the Governor in Abuja, Miskoom Alex Bala, Abuja Chapter Chairman of GUDO said they were on the visit to appreciate the former Governor for a job well done during the last 8 years despite many challenges he faced.
They described him as a leader who believes in peace, unity and oneness which made him to put in so much efforts at ensuring that Plateau regained its status as the Home of Peace and Tourism as well as maintain substantial stability during his tenure.
According to him, Lalong did not seek to favour his ethnic or religious group over others because of his passion to carry everyone along as well as to solidify the rich diversity of Plateau State.
Alkali also thanked Governor Lalong for leaving behind a good name and a legacy of projects that are visible all over the State which he believes will continue to speak for him in the years ahead.
While praying that God will continue to bless him and take him higher, the GUDO Chairman said Lalong remains a leading political figure in Plateau State and Nigeria having successfully produced the President of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Director General of his campaign.
National President of GUDO who was also at the visit thanked Governor Lalong for always standing with the Gamai nation and making the people proud through good performance.
Responding, Governor Lalong thanked Abuja GUDO delegation for the visit which he said was heartwarming and desirable especially now that he has shifted base to Abuja where he will be spending more time.
He said his tenure in Plateau State was a great opportunity to serve the people with integrity and fear of God.
This he said made him to resist any attempt to make him run a government of exclusion and segregation based on ethnic and religious differences.
He said as a Gamai man and Catholic who was raised with principles of love and service, he easily shut down any suggestion for him to be an ethnic champion by putting one tribe above the other in a multicultural and diverse ethnic society like Plateau.
According to Governor Lalong, though he cannot claim to have done everything, he did his best to serve the State during his tenure despite limited resources and other challenges, and will continue to put the interest of Plateau State first in whatever capacity he finds himself.
He called on the citizens of Plateau State to consider the interest of the State above personal gains as well as support whoever God gives leadership responsibility in the State.
Similarly, the Governor received a delegation of former Special Advisers led by Hon. Jonathan Mawiyau who came to wish him well and appreciate him for giving them the opportunity to serve in his administration.
Lalong thanked them for their loyalty and support which he said remains a booster for him even when he is out of office.