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The Forum of University Students in Benue State has declared its support for the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state, Prof Sebastine Hon, as well as the state chapter of the SDP.
In a statement signed by the Media Center of the Sebastine Tar Hon (STH) Campaign Organisation and made available to INDEPENDENT in Makurdi on Wednesday, the Forum decried alleged rot and neglect in student hostels by the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration.
The students made the declaration when leaders of the Forum paid a visit to the Director General (DG) of the Prof Hon campaign organisation, Dr. Ngutor Anyam, in his office in Makurdi.
Speaking at the meeting, the student leaders who took turns to speak lamented the poor state of students’ welfare under the current administration.
The Coordinator of the “Hon Va Youth Movement 2027”, Christian Aondongu, explained that students have been the worst hit by the policies of the present state government.
He alleged that “As student leaders, we can testify that students have been neglected. The government has no incentives for students.
“Our hostels are bad, and the toilets are not fit even for our worst enemies,” he lamented.
Aondongu also told the DG of the campaign organisation that the Forum is planning a solidarity march in honour of Prof. Hon ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Benue State chapter of National Association of University Students (NAUS), Comrade Terfa Kator, lamented the absence of government scholarship, adding, “We are enamoured of Prof. Sebastine Hon, because he has been awarding scholarships.”
On his part, the Coordinator, National Association of Zone C Students, Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu, University, formerly Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, Comrade Ode Francis, described the Alia administration as “anti-students”.
He observed that it was in view of the development that “We searched for a candidate to support; we are uplifting the candidature of Prof. Hon.”
Responding, a member of the STH Campaign Organisation, Zaki Godwin Akpen, charged the students to remain committed.
He said, “You are leaders right now. If you want a better tomorrow, your ideas for real development will make a difference.
“This government has not taken care of the security of the people. Your future is now. Be sacrificial.”
In his remarks, the DG, STH campaign organisation, Dr. Ngutor Anyam, expressed delight at the decision of the students and promised the campaign organisation’s full support.
“You have already identified Prof. Sebastine Hon as a credible leader. If you assist him to get into government, you are part of the history of making Benue State great”, he said.
Recalling his university days, the DG said he enjoyed a meal for 50 kobo as an undergraduate and expressed pain over the failure of public service and the decline in the university system in Nigeria.
Anyam alleged that “A Chinese firm once sought to build hostels for the Benue State University students, but the plan was thwarted because management of the university at the time was more interested in milking the company.”
He also outlined key plans of the STH administration to include prioritising scholarships, industrialization, sports development, and export of agricultural produce and talents.
