Former Senate Minority Leader and elder statesman, Chief Senator Barnabas Gemade, OFR, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, describing his leadership as pragmatic, purposeful, and divinely ordained.
In a goodwill message personally signed and made available to the press on Tuesday, Senator Gemade expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the life of Governor Alia, applauding his steady rise in both spiritual and political service to the people of Benue State.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and my teeming supporters, I heartily felicitate with you on your birth anniversary, which is both significant and memorable,” the senator stated.
He thanked God for the Governor’s life, highlighting divine grace and protection as vital to Alia’s journey — from priesthood to politics — and praised his current leadership, which he described as “beyond reasonable doubts” in proving him to be “a leader, servant, and pragmatic developer.”
Senator Gemade, who holds the revered traditional title of Nom Iyange u Tiv, pledged his unflinching loyalty and total support to Governor Alia's administration, now in its second year of what is expected to be an eight-year tenure.
“In commemorating this eventful day, I reiterate my pledge of unalloyed support and unwavering backing to your administration as it continues in the remaining six years, and good tidings of numerous birthdays,” he wrote.
The senator further urged all Benue citizens to throw their weight behind the Governor, describing him as a potential unifier and rallying point for progress in the state.
“I hereby urge all Benue State citizens to queue behind and support you fully in the assignment of governance. I equally pray for you to be the rallying point for all and sundry, for the glory of God,” he concluded.
Senator Gemade, a founding father of modern Benue politics and one of the most respected voices in Tivland, reaffirmed his commitment to the success of Governor Alia’s administration, wishing him many more years of impactful leadership and divine favor.
“Once again, happy birthday celebration, Your Excellency,” the statement ended.