Jarigbe Debunks Procurement Allegations as Cross River North Women Pass Vote of Confidence
By Judex OKORO
Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has dismissed allegations that he turned public procurement processes into a family business, describing the claims as politically motivated and misleading, even as a women’s group from the district condemned the publication and passed a vote of confidence in his representation.
The senator was reacting to a report 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 cited in the report was duly executed and paid for in line with due process. He stressed that he is neither a director nor a shareholder in the company involved.
He questioned the focus of the publication, noting that it concentrated on a project that had been successfully executed while ignoring several projects captured in the federal budget since 2023 for Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Federal Constituency, where he said little or no implementation has taken place.
The senator explained that his siblings, like all Nigerians, have the constitutional right to bid for and execute government contracts provided they meet the required criteria. According to him, the real issue should be whether such projects were fully executed and delivered to the people.
Senator Jarigbe further alleged that the publication was orchestrated by a member of the House of Representatives whom he accused of seeking someone to blame for his own shortcomings. He warned that such actions were self destructive and urged those behind the report to desist from what he described as politically motivated and spurious allegations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy across Cross River North, stressing that his focus remains improving the welfare and standard of living of his constituents, a responsibility he said he has consistently pursued while in office.
In a show of solidarity, women professionals from Cross River North under the platform of Women Accountability Watch condemned the publication, describing it as malicious and aimed at distracting the senator from his developmental work.
In a statement signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Agbo Aruku, the women noted that the successful execution of projects was more important than the identity of the contractor, particularly at a time when many communities only hear of contract approvals without seeing tangible results.
The group said Senator Jarigbe has recorded visible achievements across the senatorial district, citing projects ranging from road construction and installation of street lights to provision of potable water, rehabilitation of schools, empowerment programmes and scholarships.
They cautioned those behind the allegations to stop distracting the senator and allow him to continue with the developmental efforts he is undertaking in the constituency.
The women also cited provisions of the Nigerian Public Procurement Act, 2007, explaining that the law does not bar family members of public officials from participating in procurement processes provided eligibility requirements are met and due process is followed. They added that public officers are only restricted from having private interests in such contracts, with emphasis on transparency.
According to the group, Senator Jarigbe’s clarification aligns with the provisions of the law since he is not a director in the company involved and the project was transparently executed.
They restated their confidence in Senator Jarigbe and his style of representation, declaring that Cross River North has continued to experience meaningful development and has never had it so good.
Checks by THE BEAGLE NEWS showed that "Sections 16(1) and 54(1)(b) of the Nigerian Public Procurement Act (2007) together imply that family members of public officials aren't barred from bidding if they meet eligibility criteria (Section 16(1)."
It further showed that "Public officers shouldn't have private interests in procurement contracts, emphasizing transparency (Section 54(1)(b))."
Findings again showed that Senator Jarigbe' isnot a director in the company, and the project was executed transparently.
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