Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse CFR , has commended the Governor of Benue State , Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia for endorsing his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode as his running mate ahead of 2027 elections.
Professor James Ayatse made this commendation at NKST church, Adikpo during a Thanksgiving service for Governor Hyacinth Alia and all his appointees from Kwande local government area of the State.
In his speech, the Tiv Paramount ruler stated that reposing such confidence in Dr Sam Ode by Governor Alia is an indication that both of them enjoy a cordial relationship.
The monarch continued that the pronouncement which has silenced those that were writing that Governor Alia was shopping for a running mate ahead of 2027 elections will also boost the morale of the deputy governor to be more resourceful and productive to the administration.
He pressed further that he wasn’t surprised with the pronouncement because Barrister Sam Ode had demonstrated goodwill, competence and capability in all the public offices he had held in the past.
He said that now that his loyalty to the governor and his dedication to duties have earned him another chance to serve the people of Benue State as their deputy governor, Professor James Ayatse urged Dr. Sam Ode to serve the state with all his heart.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had two weeks ago dismissed media reports that he was searching for a replacement for his deputy governor, Barrister Sam Ode in 2007.
He made the official declaration while swearing his commissioner nominees at the New Banquet Hall, Makurdi recently.
Reports have had it that Governor Alia was considering another person from Otukpo local government as his running mate in 2027.
But speaking on the rumours two weeks ago the governor said: “I’m not searching for a new deputy governor ahead of the 2027 elections. There is no vacancy.”