By Abasi Ita
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has called for civility and unity among political actors in Cross River North as re election activities gather momentum.
In a message to constituents, the lawmaker thanked the people for their support while urging them to shun insults and personal attacks, even amid stiff competition from aspirants including former governor Ben Ayade.
“I charge you: do not use uncouth words against any aspirant. No insult, no personal attack, no abusive language. We are better than that,” he said.
Jarigbe stressed that campaigns should be driven by ideas rather than hostility, adding that all aspirants deserve respect.
“Our campaign will be defined by ideas, not insults,” he stated, while also calling for respect for the office of the governor regardless of differing views on past leadership.
“Let us critique records, not abuse persons,” he added.
The senator further urged politicians to remain attentive to the will of the people, noting that public opinion remains central to democratic success.
“We must listen to the voices of our people and not live in denial of the obvious,” he said.
Reaffirming unity within the All Progressives Congress, Jarigbe warned against actions that could divide party members after the primaries.
“No ambition is worth destroying the conviviality we share,” he said, urging all stakeholders to campaign with passion and honour.
Political activities in Cross River North have intensified in recent weeks as aspirants position themselves ahead of party primaries, with growing public interest in the contest. The district remains a key political bloc in the state, often shaping broader electoral outcomes, even as rising tensions among supporters have prompted calls for restraint from stakeholders concerned about party cohesion.
Analysts say Jarigbe’s appeal reflects a broader need for issue driven campaigns and internal unity within political parties as the election cycle progresses, noting that maintaining decorum and focusing on policy alternatives will strengthen democratic practice and preserve long term relationships among political actors in Cross River State.