Media Amplify Good Governance, Expose Evil – Prof. Hon
Tamenor Kwaghzer
Feb 14, 2026 07:35
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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Sebastian Hon, SAN, has stated that the mass media serve as a powerful tool for mobilization, exposing wrongdoing in government and amplifying good governance across the world.
The eminent lawyer made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by the Independent Print-Media Publishers Association of Nigeria (IPPAN) in Makurdi recently.
According to Professor Hon, he previously ventured into newspaper publishing and discovered that although circulation in rural communities was challenging, it added significant value.
He noted that the impact of publications on communities and governments was profound, commending practitioners for sustaining the profession despite the difficulties.
Hon (SAN) applauded IPPAN for showcasing resilience, stating: “I acknowledge your contributions to development in terms of newsworthy information dissemination.”
Describing the media practitioners as critical stakeholders in national development, Professor Hon added: “You are very important stakeholders contributing to the progress of the motherland, but you are probably unnoticed or deliberately unappreciated by the authorities on account of mere ingratitude.”
He further stated: “I appreciate you for taking out time to visit me. I am not unmindful of the time and sacrifices you have been making to keep us informed. Governments that underrate you feign ignorance and risk the consequences.”
The renowned lawyer also used the occasion to unveil his political ambition to members of IPPAN regarding the 2027 governorship contest. He explained that after many years of rendering value-added services to the state, his decision to seek the governorship in 2027 had become compelling.
However, he cautioned that the ban on political campaigns had not been lifted, noting that he would speak further and unveil his manifesto at the appropriate time.
The Senior Advocate clarified that his interaction with IPPAN formed part of his broader consultations with the people of Benue State on his ambition. Hon (SAN) acknowledged that he depended solely on God to realize his aspiration, citing 2 Samuel 23:3: “He that ruleth over men must be just.”
The aspirant assured that he would be just if elected, stating: “I will keep the covenant if elected as Governor of the state.”
Professor Hon also recalled his past contributions to the welfare of Benue State and the North Central region. According to him, he served as lead counsel on a pro bono basis for the North Central at the Oputa Panel set up by the Obasanjo administration to heal Nigeria’s wounds.
He disclosed that he temporarily relocated from Port Harcourt to Abuja and deployed his intellectual expertise to successfully advocate for minority rights during the panel’s proceedings.
Beyond his role at the Oputa Panel, Hon maintained that his defense of the rights of Benue people across Nigeria remained unwavering and that he was prepared to do even more if elected Governor in 2027.
On insecurity in Benue State, the legal luminary expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in many rural communities. He urged the Alia administration to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He revealed that the prevailing security challenges influenced his decision to write to the Presidency, urging the Army High Command to visit Benue. He also referenced appeals by other prominent voices, including Bishop Anagbe, and suggested that such calls had drawn international attention, including that of President Donald Trump of the United States of America.
Professor Hon insisted that he would approach security challenges differently if elected, with the aim of leaving a legacy of enduring safety for the people of Benue State.
On the issue of local government autonomy and financial management, Professor Hon stated that he was among the leading lawyers who challenged state governments in court and secured victory on the matter. He urged authorities currently denying local councils their autonomy to comply with the court’s decision.
“In the circumstances,” he said, “I cannot undermine local government autonomy. I will do the right thing if I become Governor of the state.”
