Sam Ode breaks silence, says his wife, Christie Ada not Benue First Lady

The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding the position of First Lady in the state, insisting that his wife, Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode, is neither entitled to nor lays claim to the title.

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 clarified that Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode is the wife of the Deputy Governor and not the First Lady of Benue State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, 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,” the statement said.

According to the office, the position of First Lady is traditionally and officially occupied by the wife of the Governor, while the governor reserves the prerogative to assign responsibilities within his administration as he deems fit.

The statement stressed that any insinuation suggesting that Mrs. Sam-Ode is laying claim to the office of First Lady is unfounded and should be disregarded.

It 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.

The office also dismissed suggestions of any friction within the government, stating that the deputy governor and his family continue to enjoy a cordial and productive relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other key stakeholders in the administration.

“The relationship is anchored on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to delivering good governance and sustainable development to the people of the state,” the statement added.

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 finally put an end to the controversy making the rounds on social media.