Governor Hyacinth Alia’s kinsmen, the Kunav people in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State have called on Chief Sebastine Hon to enter the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The governor’s country folks under the banner of Jechira people comprising Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas were on a solidarity visit to Prof Hon on Monday, in Gboko, Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State.
Accompanying the Jechira people were the people of Kwande, comprising the local government areas of Kwande and Ushongo.
Governor Alia strongly believes that the Jechira people, especially his Kunav folks will fully support his second term bid and vote him en block in the 2027 general elections.
He has at different fora openly vowed to tackle anyone who would stand on his way.
However, many Jechira people have expressed disappointment with the governor’s leadership style and has beckoned on the Abuja-based Professor of Law to take over the mantle of leadership in the state.
They describe Gov. Alia as a hypocrite who does not mean well for the Benue State person.
Most of the visitors to Prof. Hon were politicians who have held leadership positions.
Hon Bemgba Chia, a former PDP chairman in Vandeikya LGA said though he is Gov Alia’s kinsman, he yearns for Prof Hon for Prof Hon’s towering records and leadership traits.
He said the people need someone who would work for their good, not on kinship.
”Our elders should allow us pick one who will protect us.
”We don’t want ‘had we known,” Hon. Chia told the crowd, drawing a huge applause.
He maintained that the constitutional mandate of Governor Alia is four years so it is left for the electorate to decide whether to add another one.
”We need one who will face insecurity frontally,” Hon. Chia noted.
Chief Jonathan Icaver representing Kwande went down memory lane, calling the war Benue people fought with the Fulani to keep their ancestral land.
He said, “The Fulani people are interested in taking over the Benue valley,” he warned.
”Many have expressed it openly, yet necessary security actions are hardly taken.
”That colonialists handed over Nigeria to them so they must take control of the land.
”Because they have people in government, it has been difficult to defeat them.
”Benue State people should no longer dwell on zoning but look at the main issue threatening the existence of the people.”
He described Prof Hon as “kur u tya” meaning a warrior.
Prof. Hon told his guests that his mission is to face the existential threat of the Benue State people, adding, “I can’t fold my arms when my people are persecuted.”
He elicited a big acclamation when he promised full local government autonomy when if voted governor.
”I’ll render accountable leadership,” he promised.
Prof. Hon has instituted and won many human rights cases especially in Taraba, Rivers and Nasarawa States.
Renowned political leaders across political party lines like Dr Ngutor Anyam, Adzer Ukende, and Ortse Kpev took turns to give glowing tributes to the Learned Silk
