I am the chief adviser to the governor, his defender in all circumstances, his second in command, chief of staff as well as his armoured bearer
Benue State Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, has assured the people that his loyalty to his boss, Governor Hyacinth Alia, remains unshaken.
Ode who gave the assurance when he interacted with journalists weekend at his office in Makurdi, expressed displeasure while people create issues out of nothing, sometimes resorting to name-calling by describing him as a sycophant through the discharge of his duties, explaining that his office was an appendage to the governor’s office.
He enjoined people to note that though constitutionally, office of the deputy governor is an appendage of the office of the governor, pointing out that he operate at the descretion of his boss the governor.
“I am the chief adviser to the governor, his defender in all circumstances, his second in command, chief of staff as well as his armoured bearer. Sometimes I have to stay awake when he is asleep. My office has limitations, which I am much aware of”, the deputy governor stated.
The Benue deputy governor further explained that he was aware of truth that the deputy governor has no right, his rights are good as what the governor delegates to him, arguing that both in practical and theory, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not stipulate in any express terms constitutional duties of the deputy governor.
He said he was equally aware that as a deputy governor, he is expected to give his boss Governor Hyacinth Alia unflinching support and loyalty, stressing that he was also aware as an obligation to leave the governor in no shadow of doubt about his loyalty at all times.
He also expressed optimism that government would profer solution to all political problems at the appropriate time, urging politicians to be patient with government.