Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, has firmly declared his continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), distancing himself from the ongoing wave of defections affecting the party nationwide.
He emphasized that his commitment remains with the people of his senatorial district, who continue to support the PDP and have no interest in abandoning the party.
During a courtesy visit by members of the Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) to his Abuja residence, Senator Jarigbe addressed the speculation surrounding his political allegiance. He made it clear that he would not leave the PDP, stating, “Our politics is deeply rooted in the local level.
If I go back home and tell my people that I plan to defect, they’ll simply respond, ‘Go ahead, but we’re not coming with you.’ My people want to remain in the PDP, and I intend to stay with them. This is not about rivalry; it’s about staying true to the wishes of my constituents.”
Although he refrained from criticizing colleagues who have chosen to switch parties, Jarigbe noted that such decisions might reflect the preferences of their own constituencies. However, he stressed that he would never act contrary to the desires of the people who elected him.
Despite being a member of the opposition party, Senator Jarigbe urged the people of Cross River North to cooperate with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government in the interest of development. “It is crucial that we avoid unnecessary distractions and work together with the current administration to ensure that the dividends of democracy are delivered to our communities,” he said.
In a passionate appeal, the senator called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the long-standing demand for the creation of Ogoja State, stressing that it is the only former province in Nigeria that has yet to be granted statehood.
“If there’s one state that truly deserves to be created in this country, it is Ogoja. Doing so under a democratic government would be a monumental achievement, and I believe Mr. President will listen to our plea.”
Senator Jarigbe, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, also used the occasion to highlight his numerous contributions to infrastructure and human capital development in his senatorial district. He stated that each ward in Cross River North has benefited from at least one major intervention—ranging from water projects and electrification to roads, school facilities, and laboratory equipment.
A major highlight of his constituency work, he said, is the rehabilitation of the Boki-Abakpa road, which had been neglected for decades. “The road leading to my village was once impassable. Today, it is motorable thanks to projects initiated by my office,” he said.
Senator Jarigbe also spotlighted his efforts in the education and empowerment sectors. “We have sponsored students to study abroad through NDDC and PTDF scholarships. More students will be receiving bursary support next month. In addition, we have empowered small business owners through direct financial assistance,” he added.
On the legislative front, Jarigbe reported progress on several key bills he sponsored in the 10th Senate. Among them is a bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre, which has passed both the second reading and public hearing stages.
“We’re now waiting for the third reading before it can be transmitted to the President for assent,” he explained. However, he acknowledged that earlier bills proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and a Federal Polytechnic in Ogoja were not approved—possibly due to his position in the opposition.
Senator Jarigbe concluded his remarks with a reaffirmation of his dedication to public service, stating that political affiliation would never deter him from delivering meaningful impact to the people of Cross River North. “I remain committed to fulfilling my social contract with my constituents and will continue to work in their best interest, regardless of political obstacles,” he said.