Professor Sabastian Hon SAN, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and constitutional lawyer, has declared his intention to contest the governorship election in Benue State, citing serious deficiencies in the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Professor Hon accused the state government of pervasive insecurity, opaque administration, intolerance, and a lack of respect for human life. He described the governor as living in denial over “overwhelming cases of genocide” against the people of Benue.

“I have been divinely instructed to contest. My track record shows I have a special concern for the people of Benue and minorities,” Hon said.

“We have severe insecurity in the state, yet the governor does not care. People cannot go to their farms; there is hunger, poverty, and hopelessness. Even when security intel was shared with him, he did nothing.”

On the unity accord proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the Yellewatta killings, Hon accused Governor Alia of frustrating efforts to reduce political tension.

“There is no unity. How can a sitting governor go to church to instigate violence? He only cares about his political survival. When his boys shouted ‘No Alia, No Benue,’ he said nothing. He even threatened worshippers at a church. When people protested the Yellewatta killings, he ordered their arrests.”

Professor Hon also criticized the governor’s opaque leadership style, alleging financial mismanagement:

“Government accounts are closed. Nobody knows the wage bill, what the state generates, or what is in the accounts. He will do half a kilometer of road and claim sixteen kilometers. The level of deception is too much.”

He urged Governor Alia to learn from states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto, where governors collaborate with the federal government to address security challenges. Hon said the governor has undermined local vigilante structures, failed to support the military and police despite receiving N3.5 billion monthly, and neglected critical sectors like security and agriculture.

“As governor, you must prioritize security and agriculture. Subsidize agriculture with at least N20 billion yearly; that alone would make a huge difference. Attackers come from Nasarawa and Taraba. You cannot harbor attackers in your state and claim immunity. It is as if you are above God.”

Professor Hon’s announcement marks a sharp challenge to Governor Alia, highlighting growing frustration over insecurity, governance opacity, and perceived neglect of Benue residents’ welfare.