Benue State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, has dismissed suggestions of disunity within the state government, declaring that he is not a “spare tyre” in the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Ode made the remark on Thursday in Makurdi during a symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists to mark Governor Alia’s 60th birthday.
Representing the governor at the event, the deputy governor described himself as a loyal partner in government and praised the cordial relationship existing between him and the governor.
“I am proud to say that here in Benue State, I am not a spare tyre. I have a very good working relationship with His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia,” Ode stated.
He also described Governor Alia as one of the most transparent governors in the country, noting that the administration ensures prudent and accountable use of public funds on projects across the state.
Ode’s comments echoed an earlier endorsement by Governor Alia, who had previously described his deputy as a dependable and capable partner in governance.
“There is no vacancy for any deputy governor. I have a very good deputy who understands governance, is people-oriented, and very cerebral. He is capable, tested, and has all it takes to perform his functions,” the governor had said.
Speaking at the symposium, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, congratulated Governor Alia on his 60th birthday and commended the administration for what he described as significant developmental strides recorded within three years.
Ugber, however, stressed that the NUJ remains an independent professional body guided by ethics and constitutional responsibility.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists is not a parastatal of government. We remain an independent and professional body guided by ethics and constitutional responsibility. We are not an extension of any political structure,” he said.
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