On the occasion of Senator Gabriel Suswam's 60th birthday celebration, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State delivered a significant address wherein he pledged to develop and restore the aspects of the state that have been adversely affected.
This statement was made during a grand reception held at IBB Square in Makurdi, honoring the former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam.
Governor Alia underscored the importance of the celebration and expressed his alignment with Senator Suswam’s developmental vision for the state.
He addressed his critics by asserting that only individuals with a guilty conscience would decline to acknowledge the Senator Suswam's milestone.
The governor reiterated his commitment to serving the populace effectively, ensuring the timely completion of projects and the regular disbursement of monthly pension payments.
He extended his heartfelt wishes to Senator Suswam and his family, hoping for a long life and a rewarding celebration of divine blessings.
It is evident that Governor Alia is devoted to fostering positive change in Benue State, and his ongoing collaboration with Senator Suswam is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region.
Gabriel Suswam Biography Highlighting His Life and Impact on Nigerian Politics
Gabriel Torwua Suswam, born on 15 November 1964, is a prominent Nigerian politician and former Governor of Benue State. He currently serves as a Senator representing the Benue North-East Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr. Suswam was born in Anyiin, located in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. In 1986, he was admitted to the Law Faculty at the University of Lagos, where he earned his LL.B degree in 1989, followed by the BL Certificate from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1990.
He was subsequently called to the Bar the same year. From 1990 to 1994, he gained experience working with various law firms while pursuing further studies, ultimately establishing his law firm in 1994.
In the 1999 elections, Mr. Suswam contested for a seat in the House of Representatives for the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, successfully securing a position under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
He was appointed as Chairman of the House Services Committee and later as Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was re-elected in 2003 and subsequently appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation in July of the same year, followed by an appointment as Chairman of the House Committee on Power in August 2005.
In April 2007, he was elected as the Governor of Benue State. During his tenure, in November 2009, he advocated for the automatic re-election of political officeholders who had demonstrated exemplary performance in their responsibilities. He also noted in interviews that political maneuvering has significantly hindered the development of the state since its inception.
Mr. Suswam successfully sought re-election for a second gubernatorial term in the 26 April 2011 elections, garnering 590,776 votes and defeating his closest rival, Professor Torkuma Ugba of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who received 499,319 votes.
However, in the 28 March 2015 general elections, Mr. Suswam lost the senatorial seat election to Chief Barnabas Gemade of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As of March 2024, Mr. Suswam has announced his intention to contest for the position of Chairman of the PDP.
