All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue State governorship aspirant for 2027, Professor Sabastian Hon, has expressed his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, describing it as a welcome development.
Prof. Hon, who made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, also commended the President for appointing the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.
He, however, criticized the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for his inability to forge diplomatic relationships with neighbouring states and properly collaborate with the Federal Government to address incessant killings in the state.
Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also blamed the state Governor for frustrating and disregarding President Tinubu’s request to engage all interest groups in the state to end internal squabbles and move the state forward.
The senior lawyer expressed his commitment to ensuring that the President secures a second term, stressing that Tinubu inherited a weak economy on the brink of collapse and should be given enough time to address its challenges.
He said: “I believe that the President has done well so far. If you look at the way he has brought down the prices of food items, ended fuel queues, and ensured petrol prices keep dropping, you will realize that if these feats were not achieved, Nigeria would have faced severe economic collapse.
“Tinubu inherited a terrible economy, and I know exactly where this country was placed at the time he took over. He has managed insecurity in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Borno very well, thanks to collaboration with state Governors and the Federal Government. Today, businesses have become more predictable.
“Some people are only interested in using politics to cause disunity, and I think they are not being honest. I believe he is on the right track, and if he gets a second term, he will take Nigeria to greater heights.”
On the appointment of the INEC Chairman and calls for his resignation over genocide-related comments, Professor Hon said: “He is someone I know well. We are colleagues, both graduates of the University of Jos, and both Professors and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
“When he was appointed and cleared by both the Council of State and the Senate, I knew he would discharge his duties with integrity. He has rolled out an election timetable, and we should allow him to focus. I trust him not less than 98 percent, and I sincerely believe the President made the right choice.”
Regarding Benue State, he said: “The Governor of Benue State is not serious about insecurity. He prioritizes his political survival over the welfare of the people. In the wake of the Yellowatta attacks, the President asked him to meet with all interest groups to resolve internal issues, but he has frustrated that process.
“People are being killed in Apa, Otukpo, Kwande, Sankara, Otobi, and Gwer-West, yet he remains silent. He has closed government accounts, leaving the state wage bill and pension payments opaque. Teachers and pensioners are owed salaries. There is little to show for federal allocations received.”
He said his priorities, if elected Governor, would include security, infrastructure, agriculture, and education, urging Governor Alia to learn from other state Governors who have addressed the aspirations of their people.
Professor Hon accused Governor Alia of incompetence, insensitivity, opaque administration, and intolerance, even in places of worship, where he reportedly drums war songs and instigates violence.
