In his bid to gain the support of the people of Sankera, the leading guber aspirant in Benue State, Prof. Sebastine Hon has held yet another consultation meeting with the political leaders of the zone.
Sankera comprising Logo, Katsina-ala and Ukum Local Government Areas can play a very significant role in shaping up the political system.
Early this year, Prof. Hon hosted the people of Sankera in his Gboko residence where he drew huge applause and commendations.
Speaking with Sankera political stakeholders on Monday in Makurdi, Prof. Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, cited his 30-year fight for the welfare of Middle Belt minorities and his activism for Benue State people as reasons why he is the best candidate for office of governor.
He said, “It’s not now I started. If as a private person I could do this, God knows why… I need empowerment to do this job.”
He said though he is from Jemgbagh where there are no Fulani attrocities, he is troubled because injustice to any human being is bad.
He told the guests that after the military invasion of Zaki Biam, he took the battle just as he fought for Benue State indigenes unjustly treated in the federal service.
He narrated how he was locked up by the police in Port Harcourt for his activism for the good of the Benue State people.
He said he had given scholarships to many and written against claims that the Tiv are settlers in the Benue valley in the News Watch magazine decades ago.
He promised to tackle poverty, empower the people, and ensure 100 percent autonomy for local governments if elected.
A former Benue State assembly member who hails from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Hembadoon Amena expressed appreciation for the things the governorship aspirant spoke about.
“You spoke on things that touch us as mothers. If elections were tomorrow, I would have given it to you,” she told Prof. Hon, stressing that any failure from him would be tackled fiercely.
She added, “I believe what I’ve heard about you. We’re working for you. Nobody can convince us on zoning.”
She requested that Alia be called to order because he is grading too many streets causing serious health hazards to the people.
“When will he finish [lay asphalt on] them?” she wondered.
The Director, General Sebastine Hon 2027 Campaign Team, Dr Ngutor Anyam urged the electorate to support Prof. Hon, describing him as the only viable candidate in the governorship race.
He said the Kwande clan where he hails from has no reason to stand for governor.
He lamented that his place, Turan has been under serious attacks by the Fulani but the governor shows no concern.
With Prof. Hon in the seat, the Fulani phenomenon will be over, he stated.
Prof. Hon’s staunch supporter, Dr Bem Ugo praised Hon’s track record, expressing confidence in his ability to address the state’s security challenges, particularly the Fulani herdsmen attacks.
Dr Ugo, said it is no more about clan consciousness but a serious action in what he called “a civilian intervention.”
According to him, “Governorship is for four years. Aper Aku did it for four years.
”It’s not for eight years. If in four years, one fails, they should be held down.”
The Sankera political stakeholders were of the view that Sankera was instrumental in the political success of Jemgbagh in the past and it will do same.
Special Adviser on Security under the Governor George Akume administration, Col. Edwin Jando (Rtd.) who hosted the gathering said Prof. Hon was the first to have met Sankera people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said his first impression with Prof. Hon was quite good.
He thanked the guests saying he was excited, and wished them safe return to their destinations.
