Senator Suemo Chia, an elder statesman and one of Nigeria’s surviving First Republic senators, has made an emotional public appeal to meet with Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, expressing a heartfelt desire to offer his counsel before passing on.
The emotional appeal came during a thanksgiving mass held at NKST Church, High Level, Makurdi, to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Alia’s administration.
Senator Chia, now in his 80s, was seen seated quietly at the church entrance, waiting for an opportunity to see the governor.
However, security protocols and the massive turnout of worshippers and supporters made it impossible for him to gain access.
“I cannot see well again,” he said in a frail but determined voice. “I have come to see Alia. I saw him once, and when I tried to see him at the Government House, they blocked me, as if I was looking for a political appointment.”
The elder statesman, who has over the years provided counsel to several past governors of Benue State, stressed that his intention was not political but deeply personal and borne out of duty.
“I want to offer my advice to him before I die,” he declared.
