I’m Not A Spare Tyre Deputy Governor — Ode

Benue State deputy governor, Sam Ode, has declared that he is not a spare tyre in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, saying he enjoys a cordial working relationship with the governor.

Ode stated this in Makurdi yesterday during Governor Alia’s 60th birthday symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council.

The deputy governor, who represented Governor Alia at the occasion, described himself as a loyal deputy 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,” he said.

Ode further stated that Governor Alia remains one of the most transparent governors in the country, noting that he ensures every kobo spent on projects is judiciously and transparently utilised.

Governor Alia had last year described his deputy, Sam Ode, as a dependable partner.

“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.

I love working with him and enjoy a personal relationship with him,” the governor had stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, while congratulating Governor Alia on his 60th birthday anniversary, said the level of development recorded by the present administration within three years had surpassed what many previous administrations collectively achieved over several years.

“Let me clearly state that 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. We neither exists to offer unnecessary praise nor engage in criticism for the sake of opposition,” Ugber stated.