By Elijah Ugani
The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom, has flagged off the construction of the 1-kilometre Ugboro–Ukpah road in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Represented at the ceremony by his Constituency Officer, Mr Egar Mgbantul, Senator Jarigbe said the project had earlier been approved but was delayed due to the non-release of funds.
“Today, we are here to flag off the construction of the 1KM Ugboro–Ukpah road, and I thank all of you for the support you have given me,” he said.
He assured residents that the road would be completed, adding that the project was awarded before the state government flagged off work on the same road.
Addressing concerns from some constituents who described the intervention as a duplication of the state government’s project, Senator Jarigbe said there was no controversy between him and the state governor, Bassey Edet Otu.
According to him, both interventions were aimed at complementing government services for the benefit of the people.
“We didn’t move this road to another location because it has been awarded before the state government flagged off the road. And this intervention will not prevent the state government from undertaking the road for the betterment of our people,” he said.
The senator urged the community to establish a monitoring team comprising engineers and other professionals from the area to ensure proper supervision of the project.
“I would like to charge the community to set up a team that will monitor this job. Experts should be put together, comprising engineers who are our sons, to ensure thorough monitoring,” he said.
Senator Jarigbe also appealed to residents whose properties are close to the road to make the necessary adjustments to allow construction work to proceed. He explained that the federal government does not provide compensation for this category of road project.
He further announced that the Obepa road leading to the palace of the paramount ruler would soon be flagged off.
The lawmaker said Bekwarra had stood by him and that he considered it his responsibility to continue to address the needs and challenges of the community.
Senator Jarigbe also called on residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mr Chris Ojugbo commended Senator Jarigbe for initiating the road project, noting that residents had long experienced the difficulties associated with the condition of the road.
“We are happy that this project is coming at this time. All of us passed through this road and know what is happening here. We pray God to bless the distinguished senator who is our son,” Ojugbo said.
Mr Omang Simon described Senator Jarigbe as a “servant leader,” saying the senator had demonstrated commitment to his constituents.
He expressed support for the lawmaker and prayed for his continued wellbeing.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Elizabeth Akwaji said the women were pleased with the commencement of the project, particularly because of the challenges the road had posed to pregnant women and other residents.
Also speaking, Barrister Cecy Adams commended Senator Jarigbe and expressed her support for his continued political career.
She urged residents to support his re-election, saying his interventions had demonstrated his commitment to the people of the senatorial district.
Similarly, Mr Paulinus Oshaka described Senator Jarigbe as a leader who understands the needs of his constituents and knows when and how to respond to them.
“We need people and leaders like Senator Jarigbe. Let us pray and support him. Jarigbe is a signature for the people of the North,” he said.
The road project is being handled by Ibrotoomuch Construction Company Ltd.