Tag: #Jarigbe A. Jarigbe

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE
OFFICE OF THE SENATOR REPRESENTING CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Date: July 19, 2025

OGOJA STATE IS ON TRACK: OUR PEOPLE DESERVE THE TRUTH, NOT MISINFORMATION

Our attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by some constituents over the omission of Ogoja State from a recently circulated preliminary list of proposed states by the Constitution Review Committee of the Senate. We wish to assure our people that the pursuit for the creation of Ogoja State is very much alive, and firmly on track.

It is important that we provide clarity and educate the public on the legislative process involved in state creation, so that no one is misled or incited by ignorance or mischief.

The Bill for the creation of Ogoja State was sponsored by Hon. Godwin Offiono, a capable and committed representative in the House of Representatives. According to the established legislative procedure, a Bill for State creation cannot be concurrently sponsored in both chambers of the National Assembly. Once a Bill is initiated in one chamber — in this case, the House of Representatives, it must follow due process there and, upon successful passage, will be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before the final reading and onward transmission for Presidential assent.

The fact that the Bill is not originating from the Senate does not in any way mean it is not progressing. The process is deliberate, legal, and grounded in the Constitution. Let us not substitute the discipline of lawmaking with political drama.

Let it be clear: we are not in the National Assembly to create superficial impressions or engage in fanfare. We are here to face realities, not to compete needlessly or commission non-existent projects. Our focus is to deliver real and tangible outcomes for our people, guided by law and principle.

Furthermore, the Public Hearing for the proposed Ogoja State, as part of the Constitution Review process, is scheduled to hold in Calabar under the auspices of the House of Representatives. This is in line with the legislative pathway the Bill must travel. The final list of proposed states, which will ultimately include Ogoja State, will be published upon completion of due processes.

Let us remain calm, united, and confident. Ogoja State is not just a proposal, it is a movement backed by history, merit, and growing national support. We must not allow misinformation to divide us or distract from the larger goal.

We are one family, bound by shared aspirations. We urge our people to continue to support the ongoing efforts and to trust the process.

SIGNED:
Media Team,
Office of the Senator Representing Cross River North

I have been closely following the town hall meetings convened by Senator Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These gatherings serve as a platform for his constituents to stay informed about his activities since his inauguration in 2023. What has struck me most is the overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic constituents who thronged the various town halls in large numbers—a genuine demonstration of the love and support they have for their Senator. Unlike the usual political rallies where crowds are sometimes bought or hired, these attendees are genuinely eager to connect with a leader who has established a strong rapport with them and who has been delivering effectively.

I must admit, I am green with envy. How I wish Senator Jarigbe were in my party! Unfortunately, the senators from my party in Cross River State, through hubris and arrogance, have failed to build any real connection with their constituents. They lack the ability to engage the people meaningfully, let alone organize such impactful town hall meetings. This is a stark contrast to Senator Jarigbe’s approach. His actions reaffirm the fundamental principle that true leadership cannot be faked—one cannot give what one does not possess. Leadership is a natural gift, and pseudo-leaders, lacking the charisma and empathy required, will always struggle to resonate with the people.

However, there is one aspect of Senator Jarigbe’s town hall meetings that does not sit well with me—his ability to use his electrifying charm to attract notable figures to his party, including my good friend and fellow alumnus, Professor Zana Akpagu. While I am disappointed by this political maneuvering, I must admit that it speaks volumes about Senator Jarigbe’s influence. His ability to draw competent individuals into his party—one that has been struggling nationally—underscores his status as a crowd-puller and a leader who understands the importance of surrounding himself with strong minds. It is an ability that senators from my party sorely lack.

Ultimately, Senator Agom Jarigbe’s town hall meetings reflect the kind of politics Nigeria needs—leadership built on genuine connections, openness, and the ability to inspire trust among the people. He is setting a standard that others should aspire to, and his approach to governance is one that should not be ignored.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

Sen Jarigbe Agom’s initiative to convene town hall meetings in all the Local Government Areas within the Cross River Northern Senatorial District underscores a pivotal step toward enhancing democratic engagement and responsive legislative governance. Such forums are instrumental in bridging the gap between elected officials and their constituents, thereby fostering a participatory political environment.

The significance and importance of these town hall meetings cannot be overemphasized. One key benefit is that they enhance transparency and accountability. They provide constituents with the latitude and platform to directly engage with their representatives. The relationship between the governed and their representatives is bound by the tenets of the social contract, which encompasses participatory governance and other democratic ideals. These forums create room for open dialogue, where constituents can offer suggestions and contribute meaningfully to national discourse.

This forthcoming town hall meeting, if I may suggest, should henceforth be made a regular occurrence. A recurring indaba—as the Nguni leaders of South Africa call their tribal conferences or town hall meetings—serves as a veritable reinforcement of democratic institutions. In the long run, it promotes civic participation. Beyond that, it offers a mechanism for continuous feedback, provides opportunities to clarify government policies, dispel misconceptions, and cultivate a more informed citizenry—essential ingredients for the evolution and strengthening of democratic practices.

In a nutshell, Senator Jarigbe Agom’s town hall meetings are a commendable effort toward inclusive governance. He deserves accolades for proposing such meetings in all five LGAs. In the past, such gatherings were often held only in Obudu or Ogoja—sometimes only in Ogoja. Constituents from Obanliku, Bekwarra, and Yala had to travel long distances to participate. Therefore, an indaba of this nature not only provides a platform for constituents to express their views but also enables the senator to make more informed decisions that resonate with the needs of the community. Such initiatives are fundamental to nurturing a vibrant and participatory democracy.

SUGGESTION: Interpreters should be provided, and people should be encouraged to express themselves in their local dialects. A position paper or communiqué should be produced from the indaba. Participants should eschew servile flattery— but bare their minds. Furthermore, a vote of confidence and endorsement for another term should be passed in his favour.

Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
Writes from Calabar

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Oko, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.