Responsibilities of the office
Assigned state responsibilities
Carries out state government business assigned by the governor. This can include administration of a department, programme coordination and representing the governor at official engagements.
Executive coordination
Participates with the governor and commissioners in meetings to consider policy, coordinate executive work and advise the governor.
Acting governor
Performs the governor�s functions when the constitutional procedure for acting governorship applies, including a formal written transfer during vacation or inability to discharge duties. The Constitution also provides a procedure involving the House of Assembly if a required declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.
Succession
Assumes the office of governor when it becomes vacant in the circumstances set out by the Constitution, including death, resignation or removal.
Limits of the office
The deputy is not a separate head of the state executive. Powers and assignments remain subject to the Constitution, legislation and oversight by the appropriate institutions.
About Sam Ode
Sam Ode is Deputy Governor of Benue State. He serves alongside Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and took office on 29 May 2023.
Public role
Ode works within the state executive, supporting the governor on assigned matters and engagement with institutions and communities. The state government identifies governance coordination, stakeholder engagement and service delivery among his areas of work. A deputy governor's authority comes from the Constitution and lawful assignments, rather than from an independent mandate to direct every ministry or local council.
Sources and verification
Official background and verification 1
