By Abasi Ita
Women professionals from Cross River North, under the aegis of Women Accountability Watch (WAW), have condemned what they described as a smear campaign against the Senator representing the district, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, while passing a vote of confidence in his leadership and style of representation.
In a statement signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Agbo Aruku, the women described as malicious a publication alleging that the senator had turned public procurement processes into a family business.
The group said the allegations were aimed at distracting Senator Jarigbe from his developmental efforts, stressing that the execution and impact of projects should be of greater importance than the identity of the contractor.
They noted that at a time when many communities in parts of Cross River State only hear about contract approvals without seeing tangible results, Senator Jarigbe has recorded visible achievements through the attraction and execution of projects across Cross River North.
According to the statement, the projects span critical sectors and include road construction, installation of street lights, provision of potable water, renovation of schools, empowerment programmes and the award of scholarships to students across the senatorial district.
WAW cautioned those behind the allegations to desist from actions capable of distracting the senator, urging them to allow him continue with the developmental work he is carrying out in the constituency.
The group also cited provisions of the Nigerian Public Procurement Act, 2007, noting that Sections 16(1) and 54(1)(b) do not bar family members of public officials from participating in procurement processes, provided they meet eligibility requirements and due process is followed.
They explained that while public officers are prohibited from having private interests in procurement contracts, the law emphasises transparency and compliance, adding that Senator Jarigbe’s clarification aligns with these provisions since he is not a director in the company involved and the projects were executed transparently.
The women restated their confidence in Senator Jarigbe and his representation, declaring that Cross River North has continued to benefit from purposeful and people oriented leadership, adding that the district has never had it so good.