Following the visit of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wife, First Lady Federal Republic Of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Benue state, the apex umbrella body of Idoma youths Worldwide has issued a statement to clarify protocol regarding the position of “First Lady” in Benue State.
According to Comrade Magaji Mike Alidu,
President, Ochetohak’idoma Youth Wing Worldwide Express dissatisfactiion over the ugly development trending on public door main regarding the designation of one Hon. Scolastica Bem-Sor as Benue State First Lady. Our position is as follows:
- Constitutional and Ceremonial Precedence: His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, is a Reverend Father and, by vocation, is not married. The office of First Lady is a ceremonial role traditionally held by the spouse of the elected Governor.
- Protocol and Continuity: In the absence of a Governor’s spouse, standard governmental and ceremonial protocol across Nigeria recognizes the wife of the Deputy Governor as the next ranking female representative of the state. She is therefore the appropriate person to serve in the capacity of “First Lady” for official functions, state events, and advocacy initiatives.
- Public Interest and Unity: We urge all stakeholders to uphold institutional protocol and avoid actions that may be interpreted as petty sentiment or political nepotism. Appointing an individual outside established protocol risks division and distracts from governance and service delivery to the people of Benue State.
We respectfully call on the state government, political actors, and the media to align with established norms. The wife of the Deputy Governor should be accorded the recognition and responsibilities of the First Lady of Benue State in order to maintain order, respect institutional precedence, and serve the best interest of all Benue citizens.
“The Ochetohak’idoma Youth Wing Worldwide remains committed to supporting good governance, unity, and respect for due process in Benue State”, He concluded.
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