By Ben Atonko
With Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN, FCIArb in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the die is cast. The fog is clear and the path is straight. The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Benue State. His switch adds momentum to the umbrella and it is clear the PDP is a force to reckon with.
The PDP is clearly a party to beat in any political contest in Benue State. In 2023, even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to be very popular, it indeed faced a gruelling battle and its victory was pyric. As a party that ruled for over a decade, the PDP is like a tough champion – an opponent to fight every day.
And so the air in Mbatan Ward, Gboko Local Government Area was electric on April 3 as Prof. Hon’s resignation from the APC sparked jubilation among women and youths. They thronged the streets chanting “Sebastine Hon, the only one”, a testament to his widespread popularity.
As the leading gubernatorial aspirant in Benue State, Prof. Hon enjoys immense goodwill and support. People see him as the solution to the state’s insecurity woes, with promises to promote agriculture, tackle infrastructure deficits, provide jobs, develop sports and foster inclusiveness.
The aspirant has promised to boost the state economy through agricultural development. Benue State, fondly called the Food Basket of the Nation is on the verge of losing this sobriquet as farming communities are being steadily wiped out by sustained acts of terror. Prof. Hon will develop a new-age cultural model that will bring change.
The mining sector is where he will act positively. His government will take bold steps that will enhance solid mineral exploitation, bringing order, security and development.
Ensuring citizens’ safety is therefore, his major concern. As it is often said, nothing can be done if insecurity persists. Tackling mass atrocities in Benue State is what the Prof. Hon must do above every other thing. The gubernatorial aspirant is already holding consultations on how to deal with the menace head-on, not waiting until he takes office.
Infrastructure deficit hinders development and Prof. Hon is very conscious of this. He is committed to addressing Benue State’s infrastructure gaps.
Keeping the youth engaged is a job every sensible government must do. The incoming government will provide opportunities for the youth to be gainfully engaged. This it intends to do by encouraging investments and giving the people the right training.
Sports will get a boost under a Prof. Hon-led administration. Even as a private person, he has been sponsoring various sports events. The Sebastine Hon Unity Cup in Gboko has been running for over a decade.
Above all, the new government will promote inclusiveness where all voices are heard and all citizens are valued.
Prof. Hon has already garnered huge support due to his impressive record of good deeds. He has been described as a man of love, peace and kindness with decades of philanthropy – helping people without asking where they are from. He has also fought countless cases of injustice for the less privileged in Nigeria.
These selfless acts have earned him accolades like Emere Nsan Nsin Ebo 1 of Aleto, Sema Wan u Tiv, and Zege Igba u Mbatiav. Since he expressed interest in becoming governor, various individuals and groups have urged him on, calling him the best man for the job.
In one of such solidarity visits on Feb. 5, Prof. Dugeri Terzungwe expressed strong confidence in the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, describing him as a purposeful, courageous and justice-oriented leader capable of steering Benue State toward progress.
With Prof. Hon in PDP, all is set for a purposeful, eventful and glorious journey to Government House Makurdi in 2027.
Prof. Hon’s track record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his commitment to justice and fairness have earned him a very good and positive stand in the race to the Benue State top office.
As Benue State prepares for the 2027 elections, Prof. Hon’s momentum is undeniable. He no doubt is the one to turn the tide for Benue State. Truly, PDP has got the Power!
Atonko is the author of Bleeding Roads
