By Abasi Ita
Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has dismissed allegations that he converted public procurement processes into a family business, describing the claims as politically motivated and misleading.
The senator was reacting to a publication by an online media platform which alleged that a solar street light project executed in the district was awarded to a company linked to members of his family.
Clarifying the issue, Senator Jarigbe confirmed that the solar street light project in question was duly executed and paid for in line with due process. He, however, stated that he is not a director or shareholder in the company referenced in the publication.
He questioned the motive behind the report, wondering why attention was focused on a project that had been successfully executed rather than on other projects captured in the federal budget since 2023 for Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Federal Constituency, many of which, he noted, have recorded little or no implementation.
The senator further explained that his siblings, as Nigerian citizens, possess the constitutional right to participate in procurement processes and to bid for contracts, provided they meet the stipulated requirements. He stressed that the critical issue should be whether such projects were fully and properly executed for the benefit of the people.
Senator Jarigbe alleged that the publication was orchestrated by a member of the House of Representatives whom he accused of seeking to divert attention from personal failings. He warned that such actions were self destructive and would not derail his focus on service delivery.
He therefore called on those behind the publication to desist from what he described as politically motivated and spurious allegations aimed at distracting him from his legislative and developmental responsibilities.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Cross River North, Senator Jarigbe said his priority remains the delivery of dividends of democracy across the senatorial district. He added that his administration has consistently focused on improving the welfare and standard of living of his constituents and would continue to do so despite attempts at distraction.