Contributed By Paul Tumba
Mbatierev clan of Gboko Local Government Area on Monday conferred the traditional title of Hur Or Mbatierev on Benue State frontline governorship aspirant, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, in Makurdi.
The conferment came after a ceremony organised by the Mbatierev Development Association (MDA) to honour Prof. Hon on Saturday was disrupted by political thugs allegedly acting on the instructions of the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Barr. Tiseer Yina.
Recall a similar incident occurred in January when the Logo LGA Chairman, Hon. Clement Kav, reportedly disrupted an honours ceremony for the Senior Advocate during Ugondo Day in Ugba.
Prof. Sebastine Hon is seeking the Benue Gubernatorial ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Since he joked the race, the incumbent has had sleepless nights because of his strong appeals to both the grassroots and the elites.
Led by Zaki Emmanuel Tsera, representing Tyoor Mbakwen and Tyoor Mbadam, the Mbatierev delegation presented the honours to the governorship aspirant and prayed for his success.
“We Mbatierev people love you. We wanted to honour you as a mark of our support for you,” Zaki Tsera said.
“But as it is said, stones are always thrown at a fruitful tree. The Council Chairman ordered that the ceremony should stop claiming the security report was bad.
“Mbatierev people have come to give you this honour. This is the Mbatierev Traditional Council delegation,” the head of the delegation expressed.
Chief Dr. Collins Swem, Chairman of the Planning Committee described the day as significant.
He narrated, “Mbatierev sat and decided you are Hur Or u Mbatierev and your wife Ishima i Hur Or Mbatierev [meaning Friend of Mbatierev and Heart of the Friend of Mbatierev respectively].
“They sent thugs to scatter the place. It was no political event.
“We will award you the honours and dress you with the cultural cloth the way we would have done it that day,” he stated.
In his response, Prof. Hon thanked the Mbatierev people and the organisers of the event.
“It was on Saturday. I was to go to Ushongo but wanted to go to this event. My advance team told me what transpired.
“Power is transient. We do die. When you have power and decide to use it to maltreat the people, it is unfortunate.
“I had a similar experience in Ugba, Logo LGA. Sometimes when good things are to come, bad things interfere.
“This is not how to use power. My parents have lived long with the Mbatierev people.
“I will not do such when I am governor. As a Hur Or, I am one of you. We are one. This is great.
“This delegation comprises medical doctors, lawyers, and security chiefs. My doors are open to you,” he told his guests.
He donated N2 million to the development of the association.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the dressing of the governorship hopeful in Tiv cultural attire and the presentation of the Saturday event brochure and certificate to him.
