Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
Governor Alia’s efforts to address farmer-herder conflicts deserve objective appraisal—not insults, not dismissals
The recent article by Dr. Mkor Aondona, “The Letter of Mr. Sebastian T. Hon to Governor Alia is Nothing But the Routine Political Exercise by Busy Body Opposition Agents, Ignore It”, may have sought to defend the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. However, it regrettably descends into the very kind of caustic tone and partisan attack it accuses others of employing.
Public discourse—especially on life-and-death matters like security—must transcend political loyalties and focus on solutions. Mr. Sebastian T. Hon, SAN, in his open letter to Governor Alia, raised concerns many Benue citizens privately discuss. Whether one agrees with his conclusions or not, he is a respected citizen entitled to his views. They should not be dismissed as “busy body” exercises.
That said, Governor Alia’s performance on security, especially with regard to the herder-farmer crisis, deserves sober and fair consideration. The facts speak for themselves:
– The governor has engaged federal authorities, drawing national attention to the peculiar security burden Benue carries.
– He is reviewing the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law—not to weaken it, but to align it more effectively with practical enforcement and regional obligations.
– His administration has worked with local communities and traditional rulers to build a grassroots surveillance network.
– Early warning systems and inter-communal mediation platforms are being established in flashpoint areas.
These are not the actions of a passive or indifferent leader.
However, Mr. Hon’s open letter questioned the governor’s policy direction. While his tone could have been more measured and his critique less speculative, especially regarding alleged sympathies for herders, the questions raised are not without merit. For instance: How far should a state go in balancing ECOWAS protocols with its duty to protect its citizens? What additional steps can the state take to preempt attacks, given its limited control over security forces?
Rather than answer such questions with insight and clarity, Dr. Mkor chose to dismiss the letter entirely, attacking Mr. Hon’s character and motivations. This is unfortunate. It adds heat, but little light.
Benue deserves better. We must reject the temptation to demonize critics or deify leaders. We must resist the pressure to see every opinion through the lens of party affiliation. True leadership is strengthened—not threatened—by honest critique.
Governor Alia has demonstrated a capacity for reasoned action and a willingness to listen. Let us build on that by encouraging a culture of civil, evidence-based debate. That is the only way to secure lasting peace and justice for all Benue people.
Additionally, how we say it is not less important than what we say. When different perspectives are in mutual deference without being disrespectful in disagreement, minds can be moved in a productive direction. Both Dr. Mkor and Mr. Hon (SAN) want a peaceful Benue as all other patriotic sons and daughters of Benue do. And our eyes are on Gov. Alia, who doubtless wants to make and keep Benue safe. Our people must live safely and peacefully on their ancestral land long enough instead of having their life snuffed out in their prime prematurely because of the vicious swords and daggers of the perennial invaders.
Let us not fiendishly fight each other over a cause whose resolution we desire a similar set of outcomes on.
© ShilgbaLeonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD, MS, BS, NCE, FCEA
Professor of Mathematics
Dean, Faculty of ScienceFormer Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance
Pioneer Ag. Vice Chancellor/President
Pioneer Vice President (Academics Affairs)Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN)
Chairman, 9th Governing Board of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
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