By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
A Third Republic lawmaker, Hon. Adzer Abya, has called on Benue State Governor ship aspirant, Prof. Sebastine Hon, to prioritize the construction of an international road linking Nigeria to the Republic of Cameroon if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Abya made the appeal on weekend when he received the governorship hopeful at his residence in Makurdi.
He specifically urged Prof. Hon to construct the Jato-Aka–Moon–Beacon 91 road, which connects Kwande Local Government Area to the Cameroon border, describing it as a strategic economic corridor.
According to the former lawmaker, the proposed road would significantly boost economic activities in the state, facilitate cross-border trade, and open up rural communities to development.
He noted that such infrastructure would also enhance fight against insecurity and improve internally generated revenue for the state.
“Please construct the road from Moon to Beacon 91. As an international route, it is very important. It has the potential to generate revenue, and our people are eager to see this project come to reality,” Abya said.
He further stated that he had been following the political trajectory and professional achievements of Prof. Hon, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver if given the opportunity to lead the state.
Abya also emphasized that contesting elections remains a constitutional right of every qualified citizen, noting that while zoning arrangements may exist as political conventions, they should not override the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
In his response, Prof. Sebastin Hon said his ambition to govern Benue State is driven by a desire to reposition the state for growth and development.
He identified poor governance and insecurity as major challenges confronting the state, pledging to address them decisively.
The governorship aspirant lamented that Benue had fallen behind in terms of development, describing the state as a “laughing stock” among its peers due to what he termed poor performance by the current administration.
Also speaking during the visit, the Director-General of the Prof. Hon Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ngutor Anyam, highlighted the role of zoning in Benue politics, stating that the Jemgbagh axis is favoured to produce the next governor in 2027.
Dr. Anyam traced the history of zoning arrangements in the state, explaining how power had been rotated among different blocs over the years.
He maintained that the current political understanding supports the emergence of a candidate from Jemgbagh.
“We in Turan have supported Jemgbagh in the past and continue to do so, even though we also have the capacity to contest,” he said.
Recounting past political developments, he noted that in 1999, the Tiv people had collectively supported Jemgbagh, but circumstances, including the incapacitation of a leading aspirant, altered the arrangement and shifted the opportunity to another bloc.
According to him, the present moment presents another opportunity for Jemgbagh to produce the governor, urging stakeholders to respect the existing understanding for fairness and equity.
Dr. Anyam also raised concerns over the security situation in parts of the state, alleging that Communities in Kwande area have come under increasing attacks in recent times, calling for urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property.
He further urged the people to support Prof. Hon’s ambition, expressing optimism that his leadership would bring meaningful change and development to Benue State.
