The Office of the Deputy Governor of Benue State has dismissed as misleading a social media controversy suggesting that Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode, wife of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode holds the title of First Lady of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Benue State, Ior Ikyereve, the office said it had observed “with concern” the discussions circulating online and sought to set the record straight.
It stated that Mrs. Sam-Ode is the wife of the Deputy Governor and not the First Lady of Benue State, noting that the First Lady position is traditionally and officially held by the wife of the Governor, who also retains the prerogative to assign responsibilities within his administration as he sees fit.
“Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode is neither entitled to nor lays claim to the position of First Lady of Benue State. Any insinuation to the contrary is misleading, unfounded, and should be disregarded,” the statement said.
According to the office, Mrs. Sam Ode’s role is centred on supporting her husband in carrying out duties delegated or assigned to him by the Governor, as well as advancing initiatives that complement the administration’s development and welfare programmes for the people of Benue State.
The statement also sought to dispel suggestions of friction within the state government, asserting that the Deputy Governor and his family continue to enjoy a cordial and productive working relationship with the Governor and other key actors in the administration, built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared commitment to governance and development in the state.
The Deputy Governor’s office urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading narratives aimed at creating distractions or sowing discord, adding that it hoped the clarification would put an end to the controversy trending on social media.
