Senator Suemo Chia was born on February 2, 1942, in the rural community of Mbajima in Tongov District. Throughout his life, he has remained devoted to the service of his people, distinguishing himself as a statesman, politician, author, and cultural advocate.
He began his education at Babel School, Tse-Adoor (1954–1955), then attended Sudan United Mission Primary School, Zaki-Biam (1956–1960). His secondary education took place at Benue Provincial Secondary School, Katsina-Ala (1961–1965), followed by Higher School Certificate studies at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, Plateau State (1966–1967). He earned his LL.B degree in Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1968–1971) and completed his legal training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1971–1972), obtaining his B.L qualification.
This rich academic background laid the foundation for a career defined by intellectual rigor and service. His command of both English and Tiv deeply influenced his later contributions to literature and public discourse.
Senator Suemo Chia joined the civil service, eventually rising to serve as a commissioner in the then Benue-Plateau State. With the creation of Benue State in 1976, he was appointed Commissioner for Community Development, Youth and Sports, and later Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Information (1975–1978). He became known as a principled administrator focused on youth empowerment and community cohesion.
In 1979, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate during the Second Republic, representing Benue State. His tenure, which lasted until the military coup in December 1983, was marked by vocal advocacy for justice, good governance, and the development of minority ethnic groups—particularly the Tiv.
Following his political career, Senator Chia turned to writing and advocacy. He authored the widely discussed books Nigeria: The Need for a Revolution (1986) and Nigeria: Time for a Revolution (1993), which tackled national issues and demanded systemic reform. He also contributed richly to Tiv literature with works like the novella Tarsôron sha parti u eren (1989) and the cultural fiction Adan-wade kohol ga (“The Story of Adan Wade”, 1993), which explored the pre-colonial Tiv world and its interaction with external influences.
Even in later life, Suemo Chia remained a vital voice in Benue’s intellectual and cultural scene.
In June 2025, at 83, he publicly appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia, seeking to offer guidance before his passing—a testament to his lifelong commitment to the state and its people.
Despite his age, he continued participating in public events and cultural dialogue, always championing values of justice, truth, and unity.
Senator Suemo Chia is widely honored for his deep intellect, political service, and passionate preservation of Tiv language and culture. His legacy endures in his writings and in the moral compass he offered through a life of service and integrity.
God bless you, our living legend.
Culled from Ate u Tiv on Facebook on 31st July, 2025
