By Abasi Ita
The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has dismissed reports suggesting a political rift between him and the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, while warning individuals he accused of deliberately fanning tensions for political gain.
In a statement, Jarigbe said certain persons using pseudo media platforms were attempting to create discord between him and Governor Otu through misleading and incendiary commentary.
He alleged that the same individuals who had previously opposed his emergence as the All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Cross River North were now circulating content aimed at sowing division between him and the state government.
The senator stressed that there was no justification for comparing the office of a governor with that of a senator, noting that his constitutional duty is lawmaking rather than executive administration. He urged those behind the narratives to desist from dragging his name into attacks directed at the governor.
Jarigbe also praised Governor Otu’s performance in office, citing ongoing infrastructure projects across the state. He specifically referenced the rehabilitation of the Okuku to Okpoma road, which he said had previously been in a deplorable state and posed serious danger to commuters.
He further noted ongoing work on the Bekwarra to Obudu road, while calling for proper scrutiny of its execution. According to him, attention should be given to ensuring that public funds are effectively utilised and projects delivered to standard.
The senator also commended the construction of a Governor’s Lodge in Ogoja, describing it as a significant development for the northern senatorial district.
Jarigbe urged political actors who recently secured APC tickets to focus on grassroots mobilisation in their constituencies rather than engaging in distractions in Calabar. He maintained that electoral success depends on direct engagement with voters and not political propaganda.
He called for unity among stakeholders and urged a collective focus on governance, development, and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Cross River State.