By Paul Aondoakaa, Makurdi 

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Benue State has clarified that Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode is not the First Lady of the state, amid growing discussions on social media regarding her status. The clarification came through a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ior Ikyereve, on behalf of Deputy Governor Barr. Dr. Sam Ode.

The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, has publicly addressed ongoing discussions surrounding the Office of the First Lady, clarifying that his wife, Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode, is not the First Lady of Benue State.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ior Ikyereve.

According to the statement, Mrs. Christie Ada Sam-Ode's position remains that of the wife of the Deputy Governor by virtue of her husband's constitutional office.

The statement described as misleading various narratives circulating on social media that allegedly suggested Mrs. Sam-Ode was laying claim to the Office of the First Lady.

It stressed that the position of First Lady is traditionally occupied by the wife of the governor and maintained that there has been no attempt by Mrs. Sam-Ode to assume or claim that role.

The Deputy Governor's Office further stated that Mrs. Sam-Ode remains committed to supporting her husband in carrying out his responsibilities while contributing to initiatives that align with the administration's development objectives.

The statement also dismissed suggestions of internal disagreements within government circles, emphasizing that the deputy governor and his family maintain a cordial working relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other stakeholders in the administration.

The office urged members of the public to disregard narratives capable of creating distractions or misunderstandings, expressing hope that the clarification would put an end to the controversy circulating online.