A former national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barnabas Gemade, has thrown his weight behind a likely second term bid for Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Gemade called on all Benue people, especially those from the Jechira axis, to rally round Alia to succeed in his development ideas aimed at writing the name of the state on the global map.

Gemade stated this at a Thanksgiving Service at Tse Agberagba, following the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Akinde and Mule u Akinde u Mbavaa by the traditional rulers on the governor’s adviser on media, publicity and strategic communications, Solomon Iorpev.

Gemade urged Jechira sons and daughters warming up to contest the governorship in 2027 to allow the incumbent governor complete his eight year tenure.

He said, “I have earlier warned that no Jechira sons or daughter should contest for the governorships seats come 2027.”
Gemade, who represented Benue North East Senatorial District, cautioned young persons to stop insulting those in constituted authority on the social media especially the governor.

As a victim of the social media insults, Gemade said “I want to urge youths to look for ways to advise, instead of taking your grievances to the social media, because for the best of my knowledge the Governor is doing well and as an oldest politician in the Tiv speaking areas and Jechira in particular, where the Governor came from, I am solidly behind him.”

He commended the governor’s media adviser, Solomon Iorpev, for coming back to thank God for his mercies and protection.

He said, “As my son I want to urge you to follow my footsteps by avoiding blood politics because as a politician I have never in any way engaged in that.”

In his sermon, Reverend Sabastine Ikyambe implored Iorpev to seek him and apply wisdom for the peoples’ benefit, saying those that envy him in any way will celebrate with him tomorrow.
According to him, “the heart of wisdom would enable him to apply wisdom in dealing with people in a manner that will profit the people.”
He encouraged Iorpev to be exemplary and different in discharging his duties, emphasising that God protects those who seek his face against evil plans and catapults the righteous anytime they are pulled down.
In his remarks, Iorpev said the thanksgiving was to express his appreciation to God for his blessings to him, his family and his elevation by Governor Alia who has given priority to the development of the state as seen in the rapid progress made.

He echoed Gemade’s call on the people of Konshisha to support Governor Alia, saying he will remain grateful to the governor for finding him worthy to serve in his cabinet.