The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, has finally broken his silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Office of the First Lady, stating clearly that his wife, Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode, is the wife of the Deputy Governor and not the First Lady of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ior Ikyereve, the deputy governor’s office described as misleading the narratives circulating on social media regarding Mrs. Sam-Ode’s status.
The statement emphasized that Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode is the wife of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni. “By virtue of this status, she is the wife of the Deputy Governor and not the First Lady of Benue State,” it added.
The office stressed that the position of First Lady is traditionally and officially occupied by the wife of the Governor. It dismissed any insinuations suggesting that Mrs. Sam-Ode is laying claim to the office, describing such claims as unfounded and urging the public to disregard them.
The statement further noted that Mrs. Sam-Ode remains focused on supporting her husband in the discharge of his official duties and in advancing initiatives that complement the administration’s development agenda. It also dismissed suggestions of any friction within the government, affirming that the deputy governor and his family continue to enjoy a cordial and productive relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other key stakeholders.
The deputy governor’s office urged members of the public to ignore narratives aimed at creating unnecessary distractions and discord, expressing hope that the clarification would put an end to the controversy making the rounds on social media.
