By Elijah Ugani
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, has dismissed attempts by some individuals to create discord between him and Governor Bassey Otu, describing such efforts as mischievous and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the senator accused certain actors of using pseudo media platforms to spread inflammatory comments aimed at pitching him against the governor.
According to Jarigbe, the same individuals had previously opposed his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate and are now seeking to exploit social media to create division within the party.
“I wish to address and admonish all those who are deliberately attempting to stoke discord between my humble self and the Executive Governor of Cross River State through pseudo media handles,” he said. “Their clear intention is to pitch His Excellency, my indefatigable leader, against me.”
The senator stressed that there was no basis for comparing the offices of governor and senator, noting that his constitutional responsibility is lawmaking and not rivalry with the executive arm of government.
“The Governor is my leader, and he is performing excellently in the discharge of his duties,” Jarigbe stated.
He highlighted several projects undertaken by the Otu administration, including the rehabilitation of the once-dilapidated Okuku–Okpoma road, which he said had claimed many lives in the past. He also praised the governor for funding the Bekwarra–Obudu road project and initiating the construction of a Governor’s Lodge in Ogoja.
However, the senator expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Bekwarra–Obudu road, alleging that the indigenous contractor handling the project had failed to justify the substantial funds released by the state government.
He called for an investigation into the project and urged the government to consider revoking the contract if necessary to ensure the road is completed.
“Instead of engaging in distractions, we should be calling for the immediate revocation of that contract so that the Obudu Road can be fixed just like the Okpoma Road,” he said.
Jarigbe also took aim at some APC candidates who recently secured party tickets, urging them to focus on grassroots mobilization rather than engaging in political gossip and blackmail.
He advised the candidates to return to their constituencies and work towards securing electoral victories for themselves and the party.
“You did not win the ticket so that someone else would hand you victory. You must take responsibility and ensure the party wins,” he stated.
The senator concluded by calling on party members and stakeholders to remain focused on governance and development rather than political distractions.
“Let us focus on what truly matters: delivering good governance to the people of Cross River North and the entire state,” he said.